CABINET

 

Minutes of a meeting held on 23rd July, 2008.

 

Present:  Councillor G.C. Kemp (Chairman); Councillor T.H. Jarvie (Vice-Chairman); Councillors Mrs. J.E. Charles, P. Church, G.A. Cox, A.M. Ernest, A.D. Hampton, H.J.W. James and R.L. Traherne.

 

 

C76                 APOLOGY FOR ABSENCE -

 

This was received from Councillor Mrs. D.M. Turner.

 

 

C77                 MINUTES -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 9th July, 2008 be approved as a correct record.

 

 

C78                 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -

 

Councillor Mrs. J.E. Charles declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that she was member of Cwm Talwg Community Centre Association.

 

Councillor G.A. Cox declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that he was a member of Cowbridge in Bloom Committee and a Trustee / Treasurer of Cowbridge and District Museum and Trust;  and in Agenda Item No. 21 in that he was a member of Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council.

 

Councillor A.M. Ernest declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that he was a member of the Barry Amateur Radio Society and the Merchant Navy Association Wales (Barry Branch).

 

Councillor A.D. Hampton declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that he was a member of the Barry YMCA, the Cambrian Education Foundation and Cwm Talwg Community Centre Association.

 

Councillor H.J.W. James declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that he was a member of Rhoose Community Hall Association, the Llancarfan Village Hall Association, a Trustee of Celtic Way Community Association and President of The Vale of Glamorgan Band.

 

Councillor G.C. Kemp declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that he was a member of the Rhoose Community Hall Association, a Trustee of Celtic Way Community Association and a member of the Llancarfan Village Hall Association.

 

Councillor R.L. Traherne declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 16 in that he was Vice President of the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Area Scout Council and Ambassador for the Cardiff and East Glamorgan Girl Guide Association.

 

 

C79                 CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE (PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY) -

 

The following minutes of a meeting held on 9th July 2008 were submitted:

 

Present:  Councillor H.J.W. James (Chairman); Councillors P. Church, A.M. Ernest and A.D. Hampton.

 

 

(a)       Minutes -

 

The minutes of the meeting held on 11th June, 2008 were approved as an accurate record.

 

 

(b)       Declarations of Interest -

 

No declarations were received.

 

 

(c)        Definitive Map - Section 53 Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Application to Change the Status of Three Public Footpaths on the Definitive Map at Cwm Ciddy, Barry (DEER) -

 

The Sub-Committee were informed of a development in the application for a status change to the public rights of way at Cwm Ciddy, Barry.

 

An application had been made under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by Mrs. Claire Williams.  The application had sought to change the status from footpath to bridleway of three public rights of way (No 8 Porthkerry, No. 27 Barry and No. 28 Barry), comprising a single route, and which followed the course of Cwm Ciddy Lane from Port Road to the tarmaced road through Porthkerry Park.

 

Objections to the application had been received and at a meeting held on 21st April 2008, the Cabinet Sub-Committee (Public Rights of Way) had reviewed the written evidence provided by both applicant and objectors. 

 

The Cabinet Sub-Committee’s decision was to refuse the application and subsequently all parties were informed of this decision in writing.  The applicant was also informed of the appeal process.

 

On 21st May 2008, Legal Services received written notification from The Planning Inspectorate, Welsh Assembly Government, that they had received an appeal against this Council’s decision.  The appeal was made by Mrs. Williams (the applicant). 

 

Legal Services had responded to the notification of appeal and had provided the documentation requested by the Inspectorate. 

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the Public Rights of Way Section and Legal Services continue to report any developments in this case to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.

 

Reasons for decision

 

To keep the Cabinet Sub-Committee informed of the situation.

 

 

(d)       Application for Public Path Diversion Order - No. 11 St. Lythans (DEER) -

 

The Sub-Committee were informed of the application for the diversion of part of Public Footpath No. 11 St. Lythans, and approval was sought for the making of the relevant Diversion Order.

 

On 1st April 1977 the Welsh Water Authority had granted a licence to T.J. Bird and Sons Ltd for the construction of a spring fed pond as a source for spraying, irrigation etc.  The pond was constructed across part of the definitive route of Public Footpath No. 11 St. Lythans, north of Old Wallace Farm.  No application was made for the diversion of the section of the public footpath which was affected by the construction of the pond, now known as The Reservoir.  No planning consent was required in 1977 for the construction of the pond for agricultural use.

 

In 1996 Valeways undertook works indicating an informal route around the western bund of the pond, as the right of way was obstructed by the pond.  No application was submitted to formally divert the path.

 

In 1999 three additional ponds / lakes (now known as Waycock, Thaw and Goldsland) were constructed to the northeast of the pond.

 

On 24th May 2000 a planning application was submitted for “a single storey fishing amenity building with associated children’s play area, car parking and access road” at field parcel 5644, Home Farm, Dyffryn.  This included the change of use of the four ponds / lakes to fishing ponds, which were to be a new fishery known as Dyffryn Springs.  The application was refused on 21st December 2000.

 

On 7th September 2001 retrospective planning permission was granted under planning reference 01/00760/FUL, for the retention of the use of the four lakes as a fishery with an amenity building and car park at Dyffryn Springs, Home Farm, Dyffryn.

 

An application had been made by Mr. J. Bird under the Tir Gofal Agri-Environment Scheme in 2003 and when consulted by the Council, wrote to Countryside Council for Wales advising them that the path was obstructed by the construction of a path, but that Valeways’ waymarking directed walkers along an informal path around the edge of the pond.

 

At no time had an application been made by the landowners to divert the path.

 

The present proposal to divert the path originated with the Council’s Rights of Way Section, who wished to remove as many anomalies as possible from the Definitive Map such as this, before publishing the new Map.

 

The route of the proposed diversion was shown on the map attached to the report.

 

For reasons of convenience and safety of the users of the public path, it was proposed to divert the section that was shown on the Definitive Map as crossing the pond known as The Reservoir from northwest to southeast to a route from the stile on the northern side of the pond, southwards around the western edge of the pond to the footbridge at the junction with Public Footpath No. 2 Wenvoe (Old Wallace Farm).

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be authorised to make an Order under Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 to divert part of the Public Footpath No. 11 St. Lythans as shown on the map attached to the report, and provided no objections are received, be authorised to confirm the Order and issue a certificate of completion under Schedule 6 Paragraph 9(1) to 9(3) of the CROW Act 2000.

 

(2)       T H A T the Public Rights of Way Officer not seek any reimbursement from the landowner towards the cost of making this Order, the full costs being met from the Public Rights of way budget.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       The Order is required for the security and convenience of the users.

 

(2)       The Diversion Order is not being made at the request of the landowner, but was identified as part of the review of the Definitive Map and was being made for the convenience of users and to correct anomalies on the Map before publication.

___________

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.

 

 

C80                 CARDIFF BAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE -

 

The following minutes of a meeting held on 9th July, 2008 were submitted:


 

Present:

 

Mrs. C. Dimond

Cardiff Flood Action Committee

Councillor P. Church

Vale of Glamorgan Council

Mr. J. Taylor

Glamorgan Anglers Club

Mr. P. Barry

Cardiff Yacht Club

Ms. S. Newbold

British Marine Federation / Cardiff Bay Yacht Club and Royal Yachting Association

Councillor N. Howells

Cardiff County Council

 

Also present:

 

Mr. S. Howell

Cardiff Harbour Authority

Mr. J. Harrison

Environment Agency Wales

Mr. C. Hope

Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

 

(a)       Appointment of Chairman -

 

AGREED - T H A T Councillor P. Church be appointed Chairman.

 

 

(b)       Appointment of Vice-Chairman -

 

AGREED - T H A T Mrs. C. Dimond be appointed Vice-Chairman.

 

 

(c)        Apologies for absence -

 

These were received from Mr. S. Jones (Quay Marinas), Mrs. S. Howard (Countryside Council for Wales), Councillor A.M. Ernest (Penarth Town Council), Captain Trevor Auld (Dock and Harbourmaster) and Councillor D. Morgan (Cardiff County Council).

 

 

(d)       Minutes -

 

AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 19th March 2008 be approved as an accurate record.

 

 

(e)       Matters Arising -

 

(i)         Dredging of Inner Harbour

 

Mr. P. Barry expressed the view that the outer harbour is dredged regularly and that there was now a need for the Bay to be dredged.  Mr. S. Howell advised the Committee that the area was surveyed on an annual basis and he was under the impression that the Bay did not require dredging generally but would arrange for the latest surveys to be inspected.

 

(ii)        Zebra Mussels

 

It was reported that, other than the fact that Cardiff University were monitoring the situation, there was nothing further to report at the present.

 

 

(f)         Cardiff Harbour Authority Report -

 

The following report was received from Mr. Simon Howell.

 

(i)         Barrage

 

There had been generally low flows in both of the rivers over the past 2 months which had resulted in water budget measures being introduced.  This was the agreed way of operating the barrage with minimum flows down the fish pass protected.  The recent rainfall had improved matters.

 

The programme of maintenance on the barrage had continued with the renewal of the hydraulic system on the sluices complete.

 

(ii)        Environment

 

Earlier this year there were a number of reports of dying fish in Penarth Marina and the Bay.  It was thought likely that the cause was spawning stress coupled with high temperatures.  These incidents were investigated by the Environment Agency assisted by Cardiff Harbour Authority staff, although no official confirmation from the Environment Agency of the cause of the deaths had been received.  There had been no recent cases of fish mortality reported.

 

There were 6 occasions when the oxygen level fell below the required 5mg standard over small areas during May and June, with all occurring for less than 24 hours.  One of these events occurred on the River Ely following a sewage spill from Western District Pumping Station.  The use of the oxygen barge helped increase the oxygen levels once it was deployed.

 

Data from water quality monitoring stations could now be viewed on-line from a link on Cardiffharbour.com website.

 

BTi larvicide had been put into the Bay in the first week of June and successfully reduced the number of midge larvae.  Silt sampling undertaken since then had confirmed that larval numbers remained low and therefore further dosing of the Bay had been postponed until larval numbers increased again.

 

(iii)       General

 

The long awaited Barrage to Inner Harbour walkway was opened to the public on 27 June.  This was in advance of the new port security fence being constructed following further discussions with ABP.  There had been a significant increase in the number of people using the barrage since the walkway was opened.

 

The International Food and Drink Festival would open this coming Friday which was one of the Harbour Authority’s largest summer events.  The Demi Cle boat race from France included a leg to Cardiff and, although delayed by poor weather, would arrive in Cardiff on Thursday,10th July before departing for France again on  the following Saturday.

 

 

(g)       Environment Agency Progress Report -

 

Mr. Harrison of the Environment Agency, in referring to the fish deaths in the Bay, stated that this was the first major occurrence of such deaths.  Natural occurrences of fish deaths could be caused by fluctuation in water temperature and / or quality.  In this instance, about 1,000 fish deaths had occurred which was an extremely small percentage of the total fish population of the Bay.

 

A de-brief would be held to see if there were any lessons that could be learned from the incident.

 

 

(h)       Pont y Werin Bridge -

 

The Committee received a presentation which gave an update on matters relating to the Pont y Werin Bridge.

 

The creation of a peripheral walkway was one of the key objectives of the Harbour Authority, and 8.5km of the 10.5km route was now in place, the outstanding sections being the Sports Village site and a bridge over the River Ely.

 

When built, the Pont y Werin Bridge would provide a pedestrian route between Penarth and Cardiff Bay.

 

In considering the design of the bridge, a number of factors were being taken into account i.e.:

 

-                      to ensure that navigation above the River Ely would still be possible

-                      the need to tie-in with existing paths on either side of the river

-                      the number of supports on the bridge to be minimised

-                      the longitudinal gradient of the bridge was to be Disability Discrimination Act compliant.

 

The length of the bridge would be 134m, with a width of 4m.  The estimated cost of the bridge construction was £3.5million and, as a design and build contract was envisaged the final design of the bridge was not yet decided, the current estimated start date is be Spring 2009 (the contract was estimated to last for 15 months).

 

The next steps in the project were:

 

-                      to obtain planning consent from Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Councils

-                      to obtain Land Drainage consent

-                      to prepare a Site Investigation report

-                      to secure funding

-                      to issue tenders to short-listed companies.

 

 

(i)         Timetable of Meetings -

 

AGREED - T H A T future meetings be held as follows:

 

DATE

VENUE

Wednesday, 17th September 2008 at 5.15pm

Cardiff Bay Harbour Authority Offices

Wednesday, 19th November 2008 at 5.15pm

Ditto

Wednesday, 21st January 2009 at 5.15pm

Ditto

Wednesday 25th March 2009 at 5.15pm

Ditto

Wednesday, 3rd June 2009 at 5.15pm (Annual Meeting)

Ditto

 

 

(j)         Information Only Reports -

 

AGREED - T H A T the contents of the following reports be noted:

 

(i)         Harbour Events Group, minutes of a meeting held on 9th June 2008

(ii)        Wind Micro Climate Desk Study.

 

 

(k)        Any Other Business -

 

Mr. Taylor referred to the contract, to be issued by the Harbour Authority, to manage the coarse fishing in the Bay, and expressed the wish that the successful tenderer was not a private “profit-led” organisation.  It was noted that Harbour Authority contracts had to meet best value criteria and therefore it was unlikely that the contract could stipulate this.

 

___________

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.

 


 

C81                 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERVICES 2008/09 SERVICE PLAN (REF - SOCIAL CARE AND HEALTH) -

 

The above Scrutiny Committee at its meeting held on 1st July, 2008 had considered the Children and Young People’s Service Plan.  One of the key elements of the document was the necessity to seek the appointment of a Council’s Children’s Champion at Cabinet level.  The main purpose of this position would be to provide direction for the Authority’s Corporate Parenting. 

 

The Scrutiny Committee, having considered the Service Plan, recommended

 

(1)       That all staff be thanked for work undertaken and their ongoing commitment to the progress and success of the Service Plan.

 

(2)       That Cabinet be requested to appoint a Cabinet Member to be the Children’s Champion and that further consideration be made to re-establishing the Corporate Parenting Panel.

 

(3)       That, having noted the comments made, the following actions detailed in the report be deleted:

 

·        recruitment of vacant posts within budget limits

·        recruit a vacant social work officer post

·        participate in the development of internal partnering arrangements with RSLs and work with external providers

·        renegotiation the current Domestic Abuse Protocol with South Wales Police on a regional basis

·        review and amalgamate the number of officers from which services are delivered.

 

Cabinet, having considered the above

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Cabinet Member with the responsibility for Social Services be appointed as the Council’s Children’s Champion.

 

(2)       T H A T the Corporate Parenting Panel be re-established and constituted, as follows:

 

            Cabinet Member for Social Services (Chairman); Cabinet Member for Education and Training (Vice-Chairman) and one Member from the Labour Group.

 

Reason for decision

 

(1&2)  To provide direction in relation to the Council’s Corporate parenting responsibilities.

 

 

C82                 COLLECTION AND TREATMENT OF HOUSEHOLD KITCHEN FOOD WASTE - TRIAL PERIOD OCTOBER 2008 - MARCH 2009 (REF - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Cabinet, having considered the above recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee

 

RESOLVED - T H A T consideration of the matter be deferred and that the Director of Economic and Environmental Regeneration be requested to arrange a Cabinet site visit to Carmarthenshire County Council.

 

Reason for decision

 

To assess their pilot operation of a household food waste collection scheme.

 

 

C83                 REVISED EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

The Council’s previous policy on the above was written in 2004 and now required updating to reflect changes in legislation.  The Equal Opportunities Policy referred to the Council’s Disability Equality Scheme, Race Equality Scheme and Gender Scheme as well as other relevant policies.

 

The Council is a major employer and service provider within the community and had a significant part to play in eliminating disadvantages experienced by some people and groups and had a duty to promote equality of opportunity.

 

The policy covered the conduct of all divisions within the Council, including employees, service users, elected Members, partners and contractors.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the revised Equal Opportunities Policy be endorsed.

 

Reason for decision

 

To take account of recent equalities legislation changes and to set out the Council’s commitment to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination in the activities and management of the organisation.

 

 

C84                 COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD CLINICAL WASTE (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

The report sought to apprise the Cabinet of a regional review of local authority statutory duties in respect of the collection and disposal of household clinical waste and to agree a revised policy within the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

 

A report detailing the Council’s current level of service provision to householders for clinical waste collection / disposal was previously presented to the Visible Service Advisory Committee in February 2005.  At that time this Committee requested the Cabinet to consider a number of proposals in respect of the existing clinical waste collection service and its continuance for customers with greatest need and whether the service should be expanded to include additional items; and that the level of service request for sharps be monitored and a report be prepared for Cabinet should the service reach capacity. 

 

Since then a number of authorities, most notably Cardiff County Council, had revised their duties and practices on clinical waste collection and had decided that the collection of household clinical waste could only be made at the request of the local NHS Trust and then at a reasonable charge.  Currently, Newport City Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Monmouthshire County Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council had advised their relevant Trusts that charges were to be introduced.

 

The above local authorities felt that to remain compliant with current legislation and best practice within the waste management industry they needed to ensure that:

 

·   requests for collection of household clinical waste can only be accepted from a person who was able to demonstrate that they were technically competent to discuss the hazardous properties associated with the collection; and

·   each individual service request would need to be accompanied by written description of the waste and corresponding European Waste Catalogue (EWC) sequence number, signed by a technically competent person.

 

Consequently, it was proposed that where the above arrangements were in place the local authority would levy a charge to meet the administrative / collection and transportation costs for each occasion a collection was made. 

 

The Council’s Waste Management Division currently received approximately 73 requests for clinical waste collection service each week.

 

Cardiff County Council implemented a charging policy of £30 per collection levied against the Cardiff and the Vale Trust following a review.  However, whilst invoices were submitted monthly from 1st April 2006, these were never paid.  Following representation to the relevant Trusts, Cardiff County Council no longer provided any services as the Trust took the service in-house from early 2007.  Consequently, the Council had no further involvement in the collection of household clinical waste.  However, Cabinet were advised that the Trust, which covered part of the Vale of Glamorgan, had not decided to collect and dispose of their patients’ household clinical waste and currently only provided a collection service in Cardiff.

 

At present this Council did not make a charge for its clinical waste collection service and provided a limited service from residents referred by the local Trust.  An estimate of the direct operational cost to the Council for providing such a service was £15,000 per annum.  Adopting a similar charging policy to Cardiff and the other South East Wales authorities could either result in a possible saving of £15,000 should both the NHS Trusts within the Vale adopt a similar approach as with Cardiff, by taking the service in-house, or should both Trusts accept the charge (£30/collection) this could possibly provide additional income to the Waste Management Division of £78,000. 

 

The Council had a statutory duty to collect household waste (including clinical waste) however, there were exceptions to this duty where an Authority was satisfied that adequate arrangements for its disposal as in the case where a NHS Trust made its own arrangements for the collection and disposal of waste. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the introduction of a charging policy for the collection and disposal of household clinical waste be  approved with the relevant Local Health Authorities bearing the cost.

 

(2)       T H A T the report be referred to the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) for consideration.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       That the Council adopts a consistent approach to collection of household clinical waste within the South East Wales area.

 

(2)       To allow the relevant Scrutiny Committee to examine the revised policy on the collections of clinical waste.

 

 

C85                 DYFFRYN GARDENS: PROMOTION THROUGH TESCO CLUB CARD DEALS (DEER) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

The Council had been approached by Tesco in May 2008 inviting the Gardens to join their Club Card Deals Scheme.  Tesco was currently undergoing expansion of the Scheme in response to positive feedback from their customers and has particularly targeted sites located in Wales which had been previously under-represented.  There were currently 183 sites participating in the scheme offering a wide range of activities for both families and individuals.  Notable examples of sites currently within the Scheme were the Eden Project, Blenheim Palace, Hampton Court, Wales Millennium Centre and the National Botanic Garden of Wales.  Dyffryn had been seeking to raise its profile both locally and regionally and had been involved in various schemes previously to boost its marketing presence such as working with the Royal Horticultural Society and National Trust and offering discount entry through magazine offers such as Which?, Gardening 2 for 1. 

 

It was considered that membership of the Scheme could greatly enhance the UK and regional awareness of Dyffryn Gardens and its facilities at a key time in its development.

 

To participate in the Scheme Dyffryn would agree to accept the Club Card Deal Tokens as part / full payment towards the admission cost of visitor/s.  On a monthly or quarterly basis these tokens would then be returned to Tesco Freetime Ltd with an invoice of 50% including VAT, for each token redeemed.  The Scheme term was for one year  with an option to renew.  There was no payment to Tesco for any of the promotional literature or website presence.  The operation of the Scheme could be undertaken through current staffing resources. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Director of Legal and Regulatory Services be authorised to sign a contract in respect of Tesco Card Club Deals subject to the ability to withdraw after one year.

 

(2)       T H A T the Director of Economic and Environmental Regeneration be authorised to extend the arrangement beyond one year if it was deemed to be financially successfully.

 

(3)       T H A T the Director of Economic and Environmental Regeneration submit a further report on the progress of the Scheme following nine months of its operation.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To take advantage of opportunities to raise the profile of Dyffryn Gardens and Arboretum on a UK wide basis with the aim of boosting visitor numbers by participating within the current summer season.

 

(3)       To assess initial success of the Scheme.

 

 

C86                 EXTENSION OF EXISTING HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Approval was sought to extend the existing contracts for Highway Weed Control, Surface Dressing, Micro-asphalt Surfacing and Permanent Reinstatement Highway Works. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.


 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the contract for Highway Weed Control 2006/07 awarded to “Complete Weed Control (South Wales)” be extended until March 2009 at a cost of £75,000.

 

(2)       T H A T the contract to Surface Dressing 2006/07 awarded to “JDM Accord” be extended until March 2009 at a cost of £150,000.

 

(3)       T H A T the contract for Micro-asphalt Surfacing 2005/06 awarded to “Kiely Brothers” be extended until March 2009 at a cost of £150,000.

 

(4)       T H A T the contract for Permanent Reinstatement Highways Works 2005/06 awarded to “LGA Limited” be extended until Mach 2009 at a cost of £242,000.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1-4)    To ensure compliance with the Council’s Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.

 

 

C87                 EVENTS GRANTS (DEER) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

Approval was sought to adopt a procedure for administering grants for events in the Vale of Glamorgan and to approve a list of events for future support.

 

The Council’s Events Officer had two individual budgets available to use, the first was the Corporate Events Budget which had a current balance of £295,000 (to be utilised over a three year period) and a second devolved Events Grants budget which had a balance of £31,000 for the current financial year.

 

Given the available funding for Events Grants it was not proposed to advertise separately for new applications.  A breakdown of grants involved in the 2007/08 financial year was attached.  It was further noted that the following events were at the end of their current three year grant period ending 2008/09;

 

·    Tall Ships Youth Trust

·    Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show

·    Rotary Barry Fireworks

·    Penarth Bonfire Night.

 

The organisations responsible for delivering these events would be required to submit a fresh application and it was proposed that new applications be subject to evaluation and where appropriate would continue for a further three year period.  It was noted that the Tall Ships Youth Trust were keen to return to Barry and wished to continue their participation in future Tall Ship Festivals.  In addition, Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival would also be at the end of their three year grant period which would end in 2008/09 however the Festival received its funding from the Corporate Events Budget and not the Events Grant.

 

The Cabinet were also informed of committed future events to be funded from the Corporate Events budget:

 

Summer Events Programme at Barry Island and Penarth (July to August 2008)

Approximately £8,000

SMILE Summer Music Festival, Llantwit Major, August 2008

£2,000

Vale of Glamorgan Show 20th August 2008 - Council presence to include two marquees (one main marquee and one hospitality marquee)

Approximately £10,000

Tall Ship Festival 6th and 7th September 2008

Approximately £35,000

Cowbridge Food Festival, October 2008

£10,000

Cowbridge Reindeer Parade, November 2008

£2,000

Christmas Light Switch-On and Grotto King Square, Barry

£13,000

Christmas Events in Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

£9,000

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the allocation of Events Grant from the budget of £31,000 be approved.

 

(2)       T H A T all grants be subject to a Deed of Grant.

 

(3)       T H A T the events listed in the report be approved.

 

(4)       T H A T the Council continue to support the events specified in paragraph 6 of the report.

 

(5)       T H A T the Cabinet receive a presentation at a meeting of Informal Cabinet in the Autumn of 2008, the presentation to include arrangements / options for future Events.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To improve the speed of the application process.           

 

(2)       To protect the Council’s interest.

 

(3-5)    To clarify future event support.

 

 

C88                 VISIBLE SERVICES ASSET RENEWAL 2008-2009 (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Approval was sought to allocate the 2008/09 Visible Services Renewal Budget. 

 

It was noted that the Cabinet at its meeting held on 6th February, 2008 (Minute No. C3396 refers) approved an asset renewal allocation of £700,000 for Visible Services for the current financial year.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T £50,000 be utilised to complete the refurbishment of the Knapp Shelters in Barry, to assist in funding the cost of draining and cleaning the Knapp Lake and to carry out noise reduction woks to the Knapp Skate facility.

 

(2)       T HA T £15,000 be set aside to fund the installation of a Scansis junior football pitch, with the Authority to locate such a pitch delegated to the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration and the Cabinet for Visible and Building Services in consultation with local Ward Members.

 

(3)       T H A T £25,000 be set aside for the refurbishment of sub-standard play equipment.

 

(4)       T H A T £10,000 be set aside for tree works.

 

(5)       T H A T £50,000 be used to replace sub-standard street lighting columns.

 

(6)       T H A T £50,000 be used to assist in the refurbishment of pavements.

 

(7)       T H A T £50,000 be used to assist in carrying out minor highway drainage schemes.

 

(8)       T H A T £200,000 be set aside to assist in funding flood alleviation schemes.

 

(9)       T H A T £65,000 be used to assist in funding highway structure schemes.

 

(10)     T H A T £20,000 be used to assist in funding coastal protection schemes.

 

(11)     T H A T £65,000 be used to assist in funding highway safety schemes.

 

(12)     T H A T £40,000 be set aside for Coastal infrastructure works, including the minor refurbishment of buildings and the provision of new benches and signage.

 

(13)     T H A T £20,000 be used to fund improvements at the Household Recycling Centre at Llandow.

 

(14)     T H A T £40,000 be used to undertake works to refurbish high use / poor condition public conveniences.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To complete works to the Knapp Shelters and to continue to improve the Knap area for residents and visitors.

 

(2)       To fund the installation costs of a mini football pitch and to enable the location to be agreed without further reference to Cabinet.

 

(3)       To assist in providing safe outdoor play equipment.

 

(4)       To assist in address the tree maintenance backlog.

 

(5)       To assist in reducing the Council’s liability in respect of failing light columns.

 

(6)       To assist in reducing the Council’s liability in respect of failing pedestrian surfaces.

 

(7)       To assist in reducing incidents of highway flooding.

 

(8)       To reduce the future likelihood of domestic property flooding.

 

(9)       To assist in reducing the Council’s liability in respect of failing highway structures.

 

(10)     To assist in reducing the affects of coastal erosion on the Council’s assets.

 

(11)     To assist in improving highway safety.

 

(12)     To improve the experience of visitors to our coastal areas.

 

(13)     To improve the operation and environmental controls at the recycling centre at Llandow.

 

(14)     To improve the condition of public conveniences.

 

 

C89                 DISPOSAL OF LAND IN SUPPORT OF THE HOUSING INVESTMENT STRATEGY (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Authority was sought to declare land surplus to requirements at the following locations and to further seek authority for the Council’s Project Management Unit to act as agent for the Housing Division, to submit Regulation 4 Planning Applications for the development of land for residential purposes and authority for the Director of Finance, ICT and Property to determine the most appropriate means of disposal once such applications had been determined.

 

·     Land at the junction with Treharne Road, Ar Y Nant, Treharne, Barry

·     Land to the West of 3 Dyfnallt Road, Treharne

·     Land adjacent to 3-6 Little Dock Street, Cogan

·     Open Ground to the East of 59 North Walk, Buttrills, Barry

·     Land to the South East of 17 Wolfe Close, Coldbrook, Barry

·     Land to the North of 28 Cook Road, Gibbonsdown, Barry

·     Land to the East of Holmview Leisure Centre, Skomer Road, Gibbonsdown, Barry

·     Land at corner of Francis Road / Cook Road, Gibbonsdown, Barry

·     Land to the North of 24 and opposite 17-24 Maes Y Ffynnon, Bonvilston.

 

A number of representations were received from the relevant Local Ward Members who had indicated their support / non support for disposal of those areas of land identified above.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the areas of land listed in the report be  declared surplus to the Housing Division’s operational requirements, subject to the area of land identified at North Walk, Buttrills, Barry, being deleted from the list.

 

(2)       T H A T the Council’s Project Management Unit be authorised to act as agent for the Housing Division and submit Regulation 4 Planning Applications for the development of land for residential purposes.

 

(3)       T H A T the Director of Finance, ICT and Property determine the most appropriate means of disposal for any site granted planning approval and dispose of such sites in as timely a manner as possible.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       In order to comply with the Council’s Financial Procedure Note - Dealing with Land.

 

(2)       To enable the various parcels of land to be marketed together with planning approvals in order that the best value for each site can be achieved.

 

(3)       To support the 2009/10 Housing Investment Programme in support of the achievement of the Welsh Housing Quality Standard and the deadlines to be met in that regard.

 


 

C90                 THE WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT REVIEW OF REGNERATION (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

The Council had been advised by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) that the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) was currently undertaking a review of the distribution of regeneration funding across Wales.  It was understood that a key requirement of the review was for a single approach across Wales in the form of an Integrated Regeneration Plan which would see a move towards a single regeneration fund to be targeted on 12 priority areas.  In these locations comprehensive integrated regeneration plans would need to be created.

 

It was understood by the WLGA that the WAG had not consulted with local government on this review.  The WLGA would be seeking further information from the WAG regarding their proposals and would be pressing for the need for early comprehensive engagement with local government on their emerging thoughts, in particular the identity of the 12 priority areas and the selection criteria.

 

It was noted that between 1995 and 2005 targeted project work undertaken by the Council and its partners in the public and private sector had seen circa £48m. of public sector investment draw in a further circa £100m. from the private sector.  This had occurred against the backdrop of diminishing Assisted Area Status and the shift of the WAG and European funding priorities for public investment to the valleys and West Wales.  In 2006 the WAG closed the Physical Regeneration Fund grant scheme and has not yet announced a successor funding mechanism.  It was further noted that Wales Spatial Plan adopted by the National Assembly for Wales in 2004 and was intended to set an agenda for sustainable development in Wales over the next 20 years, assisting the WAG in terms of public sector intervention to address key challenges for Wales in relation to climate change, tackling poverty and ensuring Wales became a prosperous and inclusive society.   This version of the Spatial Plan was currently being reviewed and the new South East Area Interim Statement had been produced.  This document formed the basis for the next review of the Spatial Plan; Barry had been identified as one of 14 Primary Key Settlement in South East Wales; the Capital Network.  In addition, the St. Athan / Barry corridor had been identified as a Strategic Opportunity Area.  The Spatial Plan process was currently exploring how the Primary Key Settlements identified in South East Wales should be developed in the future and would define the particular role that each hub needed to play in the region.  In light of this Barry was well placed to function as an important regional centre with economic growth potential. 

 

The continued commitment of the WAG to the regeneration agenda in Barry was critical if the Council was to stimulate sustainable economic development and regeneration and in doing so ensure that Barry reached its full potential as a Primary Key Settlement in the Spatial Plan.  It was considered that the WAG regeneration responsibilities should build upon the existing Waterfront Consortium and Metrix development at St. Athan, providing the necessary infrastructure and to add value to ensure that benefits were spread and a variety of new uses with good design quality and good sustainability potential were produced.  The Council, through the WLGA, would be pressing for the St. Athan / Barry access to be identified as one of the emerging 12 priorities.

 

The Council was also likely to have an opportunity in the coming months to give evidence on this matter to a future meeting of the National Assembly for Wales Learning and Enterprise Committee. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the lack of involvement of local authorities in the current review of regeneration be noted with concern.

 

(2)       T H A T Barry’s position within the St. Athan / Barry Strategic Opportunity Area be given priority in the review.

 

(3)       T H A T the Welsh Assembly Government be advised of the Council’s concerns.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To express concern at the lack of consultation.

 

(2)       To reflect the status of the Strategic Opportunity Area.

 

(3)       To express the views of the Council direct to the Ministers concerned.

 

 

C91                 GRANTS TO COMMUNITY / VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS 2008/09 (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the undermentioned Grants be approved and funded from the 2008/09 Corporate Revenue Budget.


 

Reason for decision

 

To award Grants in accordance with the approved scheme.

 

(Note: Councillors Mrs. J.E. Charles, G.A. Cox, A.M. Ernest, A.D. Hampton, H.J.W. James and R.L. Traherne withdrew from the room during consideration of this item.)

 

 

C92                 SCHOOL INSPECTION REPORTS (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) -

 

The report sought to apprise Members of the outcome of school inspections undertaken in the Spring term 2008 at Sully Primary School, Llancarfan Primary School, Eagleswell Primary School, Pendoylan Church in Wales Primary School and Ysgol Gynradd Sant Curig.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the outcome of the School Inspections be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T the schools concerned be congratulated on the many positive elements of their reports.

 

Reason for decisions

 

(1)       To ensure Members are kept informed of the progress of maintained schools.

 

(2)       To recognise the achievements of schools.

 

 

C93                 STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SACRE) - APPROVAL OF AGREED SYLLABUS (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) -

 

Religious education formed the Basic Curriculum entitlement for pupils and must be provided alongside the National Curriculum.  Religious education must be provided for all resident pupils at schools, including those in reception classes and sixth forms. 

 

The Agreed Syllabus was a statutory document for pupils and schools and would come into effect on:

 

·    1st August 2008 for 3-5 year olds in the Foundation Phase

·    1st August 2009 for 5-6 year olds in the Foundation Phase

·    1st August 2010 for 6-7 year olds in the Foundation Phase

·    1st August 2008 for Years 3, 4 and 5 and years 7 and 8

·     1st August 2009 for years 6 and 9

·     1st August 2008 for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education be approved.

 

(2)       T H A T approval be granted for the distribution of the Syllabus.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To enable the Council to meet its statutory responsibilities.

 

(2)       To enable Schools to meet their statutory responsibilities.

 

 

C94                 NATIONAL YEAR OF READING IN WALES: READING COMMUNITIES (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) -

 

The above initiative was officially launched by the Wales Assembly Government Education Minister on 13th March 2008 and was particularly important for highlighting reading and literacy amongst the people of Wales and to provide opportunities to celebrate the joy and pleasure of reading.

 

The Welsh Books Council were responsible for co-ordinating the programme and were working with key partners to deliver a number of projects.  One of the main projects was the “Reading Communities”, based on the successful “Reading City” model which had been organised in large cities across the world.

 

Library authorities across Wales had been invited to submit applications in March 2008 to become one of two “Reading Communities” in Wales.  Funding of £20,000 would be made available to support each of the two successful communities.  Cabinet were advised that the successful applications were Barry and Llanelli and plans were now underway to deliver a programme of reading activities and events. 

 

The report also detailed a number of other activities associated with the award which were planned during the year.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Council’s successful bid in being nominated a “Reading Town” as part of the National Year of Reading in Wales be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T the Director of Learning and Development be authorised to accept the £20,000 WAG Grant to fund the above initiative.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To advise Members of the initiative.

 

 

C95                 SALE OF LAND TO OWNERS OF 37 THISTLE CLOSE, BARRY (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the matter be deferred for further information.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

For further information.

 

 

C96                 TRANSFER OF REDUNDANT LAND AT Y BONT FAEN PRIMARY SCHOOL TO COWBRIDGE (ANCIENT BOROUGH) WITH LLANBLETHIAN TOWN COUNCIL (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) -

 

Approval was sought to transfer the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s freehold ownership of a strip of redundant land ranging between 2 and 4 metres wide at Y Bont Faen Primary School to Cowbridge (Ancient Borough) with Llanblethian Town Council for incorporation into Cowbridge town cemetery which was adjacent to the above school.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the freehold interest in the strip of land ranging between 2 and 4 metres wide at Y Bont Faen Primary School, Cowbridge, be declared surplus to requirements and transferred to Cowbridge (Ancient Borough) with Llanblethian Town Council for nominal consideration with a covenant restricting its use to cemetery land only.

 

(2)       T H AT the Director of Finance, ICT and Property in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, ICT and Property be authorised to negotiate and agree other terms and conditions for the land disposal.

 

(3)       T H A T the Director of Legal and Regulatory Services be authorised to prepare, complete and execute the necessary legal documentation to effect the transfer of land to Cowbridge (Ancient Borough) with Llanblethian Town Council.

 


 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To permit transfer of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s freehold interest in the land.

 

(2)       To ensure transfer is made on the terms and conditions that adequately protect the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s interests.

 

(3)       To enable the transfer to be legally effected.

 

(Note: Councillor G.A. Cox withdrew from the room during consideration of this item.)

 

 

C97                 MEETING THE WELSH HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS 2009-2014 (DLPPHS) (SCRUTINY - HOUSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION) -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T consideration of the matter be deferred for further information regarding a non-restricted tendering procedure to deliver the WHQS.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

For further information.

 

 

C98                 CORPORATE PLAN 2006-2010 ANNUAL MONITORING (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -

 

The schedule attached to the report provided an update on progress for 2007/08.  As in previous reports to the Cabinet the lead Cabinet Member and officer were identified and each target and action in the Plan had a symbol reflecting progress. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the progress made on implementing the Council’s Corporate Plan 2006-2010 as set out in the schedules to the report be noted subject to the document being reviewed to reflect current Cabinet portfolio responsibilities.

 

Reason for decision

 

To ensure that the Corporate Plan is effectively monitored.

 

 

C99                 IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2008/09 (CX) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -

 

The draft Plan contained all available performance information required by the Welsh Assembly Government and several local indicators that measure corporate priorities.  This information would be used by the Wales Audit Office to assess the Council’s ability to improve and therefore, was of critical importance to the reputation of the Council.

 

It was noted that the Plan was continually evolving as information was provided by managers and was not yet fully completed.  This information would be needed to be included prior to the final draft being presented to Council in early October. 

 

The Improvement Plan formed part of the Council’s Policy Framework and therefore was required to be agreed by Council. 

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Improvement Plan for 2008/09 as currently drafted be endorsed.

 

(2)       T H A T the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council be authorised to finalise the Plan.

 

(3)       T H A T the final Plan be submitted to the Council’s Scrutiny Committees for consideration and to Council for approval.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To ensure that actions were taken to improve services.

 

(2-3)    To agree the Plan for external audit within required timescales.

 

 

C100              EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 4 Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act, the relevant paragraphs of the Schedule being referred to in brackets after the minute heading.

 

 

C101              PENARTH HEIGHTS - UPDATE REPORT (DLPPHS) -

 

This matter had been withdrawn prior to the meeting of the Cabinet.

 

 

C102              HIGHWAY SURFACING CONTRACT 2008/09 (DEER) (EXEMPT INFORMATION PARAGRAPH 14) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Approval was sought to agree the locations of the Carriageway Surfacing Programme for 2008/09 and to appoint an external contractor for the associated work.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the locations for Carriageway Surfacing for 2008/09 be approved as follows:

 

·        A4231, Docks Link Road, Barry (Railway Bridge to Cardiff Road Roundabout)

·        B4266, Pontypridd Road, Barry (Severn Avenue Traffic Light Junction)

·        Barry Road, Barry (Dyfan Road Traffic Light Junction)

·        Pencoedtre Road, Barry (Skomer Road Roundabout to Robins Lane Roundabout)

·        Lakin Drive, Barry (Junction to Coed Mawr to Highlight Lane)

·        Sully Road, Sully (at Down Riding School)

·        B4267, South Road, Sully (Junction Burnham Avenue to Beach Road)

·        A4222, Cardiff Road, Cowbridge (Traffic Lights to Eastgate Cottage)

·        St. Athan Road, Cowbridge (Traffic Lights to Hairpin Bend)

·        B4270, Llantwit Major Road, Cowbridge (Junction Westgate to Junction Geraint’s Way)

·        Dimlands Road, Llantwit Major (Junction Green Lane to Summer House)

·        Dimlands Road, Llantwit Major (Near the Anchorage)A48 to M4, Junction 34 via Pendoylan Village (Pendoylan to Clawdd Coch Crossroads)

·        A48 to M4, Junction 34 via Pendoylan Village (Caerwigau)

·        B4265, Llantwit Major to Barry Road (Penmark Roundabout to River Bridge)

 

(2)       T H A T the contract for Carriageway Surfacing for 2008/09 be awarded to Tarmac Ltd.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To improve the carriageway surfaces along the routes mentioned.

 

(2)       To award the Contract to the lowest Tenderer.