Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED That Councillor John Parsons be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Planning Application 23/0576/PA in respect of land south of Cleggar Park, Lamphey, Pembroke,; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of the administrative year (May 2027). [Councillor David Edwards rejoined the meeting at this juncture]
RESOLVED That the findings of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales in respect of the former Councillors be noted.
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases from 1 September 2025 to 1 February 2026 be noted.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
None were received.
The following declarations of interest were received: Item 4 - Application for Dispensation – Community Councillor John Parsons Councillor David Edwards declared a personal and prejudicial interest by virtue of being a close friend of the Applicant. Ms Maggie Hughes declared a personal interest by virtue of previously being acquainted with the Applicant.
Councillor Vanessa Thomas Moved that the Minutes of the Meeting held on the 2 October 2025 be approved as a correct record; Seconded Councillor David Edwards. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 2 October 2025 be approved as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That Councillor John Parsons be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Planning Application 23/0576/PA in respect of land south of Cleggar Park, Lamphey, Pembroke,; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of the administrative year (May 2027). [Councillor David Edwards rejoined the meeting at this juncture]
[Following his declaration of interest in the item, Councillor David Edwards withdrew from the meeting at this juncture.] The Committee considered an application by Community Councillor John Parsons for dispensation to speak on matters relating to Planning Application 23/0576/PA in respect of land south of Cleggar Park, Lamphey, Pembroke. On the invitation of the Chair, Councillor Parsons addressed the Committee in support of his application; and to explain the purpose of his application. Regarding his application, Councillor Parsons explained that he had previously submitted objections to a major planning application for land south of Cleggar Park, Lamphey, having lived in the area and being familiar with its long?standing designation for housing development. He reported that the scale of the proposal had increased over successive development plans and that the current application for 62 dwellings had generated significant concern locally, particularly regarding drainage, flooding and Sustainable Drainage Systems Approval Body?related matters. As he had been vocal during earlier stages, and given his experience as a former Monitoring Officer, the Community Council had indicated that he may be asked to speak on its behalf when the matter comes before Committee. He emphasised that the application remains under consideration, that the final officer report has not yet been issued and that he retains an open mind. While he would prefer to speak and vote, he stated he would abide by whatever determination the Committee considers appropriate. In response to questions from the Chair regarding both the likelihood of the matter returning to the Community Council and the public perception test, Councillor Parsons stated that further material amendments to the planning application meant it was likely to come back before the Council for consideration. He added that many residents sought his guidance on the matter and might find it difficult to understand why he could offer advice yet be unable to vote. Mr David Parsons questioned whether the applicant’s previously stated views could lead the public to question his ability to approach the matter with an open mind. Councillor Parsons emphasised that his professional background and experience had instilled the discipline required to remain objective, and he reiterated that he continued to hold an open mind pending publication of the final officer report and all relevant evidence. Councillor Parsons left the meeting at this juncture so the Committee could discuss his application. Councillor Vanessa Thomas stated that, while she respected Councillor Parsons’ integrity and accepted that allowing him to speak would be appropriate, she considered that his close proximity to the development meant a member of the public might reasonably perceive a prejudicial interest, and she would therefore not be comfortable supporting his participation in any vote should the application return to the Community Council. Councillor Guy Woodham agreed, adding that in addition to the previously submitted letter, Councillor Parsons’ residence being approximately 250 yards from the site would, in his view, lead the public to expect a prejudicial interest. He confirmed that he would support a dispensation to speak but not to vote. Mr David Parsons noted that Councillor Parsons would still be able to speak in a personal capacity as a member of the public affected by the development, however the application before the Committee concerned permission to speak in an official capacity, and expressed the view that a reasonable member of the public would have significant reservations regarding Councillor Parsons’ objectivity. He therefore indicated he would have considerable concerns about granting a dispensation for either speaking in an official capacity or voting. Mr Nadeem Ahmad acknowledged Councillor Parsons’ experience but emphasised that public perception and the need to avoid any appearance of predetermination were paramount. He stated that, in order to maintain public confidence, he would be more comfortable supporting a dispensation to speak only, rather than permitting both speaking and voting. It was Moved by County Councillor Vanessa Thomas that Councillor John Parsons be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Planning Application 23/0576/PA in respect of land south of Cleggar Park, Lamphey, Pembroke; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of the administrative year (May 2027). This was Seconded by Ms Moira Saunders. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll-call, was carried, the votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Mr Nadeem Ahmad, Ms Moira Saunders, Councillor Sarah Snow, Councillor Vanessa Thomas and Councillor Guy Woodham [5] Against the Motion: Mr David Parsons and Mr Nick Watt [2] Abstentions: Ms Maggie Hughes [1] RESOLVED That Councillor John Parsons be granted dispensation to speak only on matters relating to Planning Application 23/0576/PA in respect of land south of Cleggar Park, Lamphey, Pembroke,; and that the dispensation be valid until the end of the administrative year (May 2027). [Councillor David Edwards rejoined the meeting at this juncture]
There were none received.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the findings of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales in respect of the former Councillors be noted.
The Head of Law and Governance introduced the report, explaining that it was presented for noting and concerned recent Pembrokeshire cases determined by the Adjudication Panel for Wales, both involving Neyland Town Council. She advised that one appendix provided a detailed account, and although the matter relating to Councillor Rothero had been dealt with on the papers, she would monitor whether a fuller report became available and circulate it if so. She noted that several issues arose from the cases and suggested that the Standards Committee may wish to reflect on how such situations might have been better managed, and whether there was further assistance that could be offered to town and community councils. Councillor David Edwards observed that town councils appeared to face particular challenges in relation to standards, noting recurring instances of conflict between groups of members, especially within larger councils such as Neyland. He recalled that, earlier in the dispute, the Standards Committee had asked him to observe a meeting of Neyland Town Council, although the members involved did not attend and the meeting proceeded without incident. He suggested that the Committee should take a more proactive approach with the county’s larger town councils, where membership was often sizeable and divided, and proposed that the Forward Work Programme include dedicated sessions with each of the six major town councils to set out clear expectations regarding standards and conduct. Councillor Vanessa Thomas noted that the issues within Neyland Town Council had continued for a long period and had caused significant strain for those involved. While recognising the constraints on Committee Members attending meetings without risking prejudice, she felt that additional or more frequent observation, perhaps by a nominated representative, might have been beneficial. She expressed concern that earlier intervention could potentially have helped and confirmed her support for Councillor Edwards’ suggestion. The Head of Law and Governance noted that she had been extensively involved in the matters concerning Neyland Town Council, including attendance at meetings and frequent correspondence with the Clerk, whom she had also directed to One Voice Wales for support. She highlighted the difficulty in balancing proactive engagement with the need to avoid prejudicing the Standards Committee should cases later be referred for determination, referencing her own frequent inability to participate in hearings due to prior involvement. She acknowledged that support provided may not have been sufficient and expressed agreement with Councillor Edwards’ suggestion that larger town councils be prioritised for targeted sessions, indicating that this could be taken forward as a future project. Councillor Guy Woodham asked what support was currently available to clerks, noting that although training and guidance were provided to town and community councils, some members still failed to familiarise themselves with the Code of Conduct despite signing the declaration of acceptance of office. He suggested that the Committee may wish to reflect on whether existing training remained fit for purpose, while recognising that some individuals would continue to refuse to engage. The Head of Law and Governance confirmed that clerks could access the Society of Local Council Clerks, and that she provided advice where possible, but noted that support was limited by available resources. The Chair reminded Members that, although the Committee had responsibility for overseeing training for county councillors, it held no formal remit for town and community councils, which were required to arrange their own training. While the Committee and Monitoring Officer provided support where possible, this was limited by resources. He agreed that Councillor Edwards’ suggestion had merit and that any future engagement should be structured to avoid prejudicing Members in the event of subsequent hearings. He emphasised the broader message that effective conduct enabled councils to function properly, whereas continued conflict hindered business and disadvantaged local residents. Ms Maggie Hughes queried the types of recommendations a case tribunal would normally make, such as those relating to Code of Conduct training. The Head of Law and Governance confirmed that tribunals had, in some cases, issued recommendations regarding training, but noted that this particular case was not considered one in which such measures would have been beneficial. The Recommendation was Moved by Ms Maggie Hughes; Seconded by Mr David Parsons. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the findings of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales in respect of the former Councillors be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases from 1 September 2025 to 1 February 2026 be noted.
The Head of Law and Governance introduced the report and commented that it was useful for the Committee to consider how the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales was approaching such cases. She noted in particular the treatment of paragraph 61A of the Code of Conduct, relating to bringing one’s office or authority into disrepute, and observed that recent decisions suggested the Ombudsman looked for evidence of media attention or wider public circulation beyond the council itself when assessing potential breaches of that provision, which she considered an interesting development. The Recommendation was Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Councillor Vanessa Thomas. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the update in respect of the Overview of Ombudsman Code of Conduct Cases from 1 September 2025 to 1 February 2026 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The Committee considered the Forward Work Programme that outlined the upcoming items between March 2026 to December 2026. The Head of Law and Governance advised that the meeting scheduled for 12 May currently contained only one item, an overview of local Code of Conduct complaints, and that the item may be deferred to June if no applications for dispensation were received. In that event, the May meeting would be cancelled. The Democratic Services Officer confirmed that Members would be notified in advance whether the meeting would proceed, to ensure clarity for all. The Recommendation was Moved by Councillor David Edwards; Seconded by Ms Moira Saunders. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be noted.
The Chair confirmed that the date of the next meeting would be on 12th May 2026 at 10am, noting that it may be cancelled subject to the points raised during the previous item.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.