CABINET
Minutes of a meeting held on 3rd
September, 2008.
Present: Councillor G.C. Kemp
(Chairman); Councillor T.H. Jarvie (Vice-Chairman); Councillors
Mrs. J.E. Charles, P. Church, G.A. Cox, H.J.W. James, R.L. Traherne
and Mrs. D.M. Turner.
C122
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE -
These were received from Councillors A.M.
Ernest and A.D. Hampton.
C123
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 31st July, 2008 be approved as a correct
record.
C124
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
Councillor R.L. Traherne declared an interest
in Agenda Item 18 - Personal interest as a member of the Forum.
C125
VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL ACCESS FORUM -
The following minutes of the meeting held on
18th June, 2008 were submitted:
Present:Mr. J.V.
Custance, Mr. D.J. Field, Mrs. V.M. Hartrey, Mr. J.J. Herbert, Mrs.
H. March, Mr. H.S. McMillan, Mr. N. Moss, Mr. R. Pittard and
Mr. R. Traherne.
Mr. J. Wyatt (Chairman); Mr. B. Guy, Mr.
C. Jones-Jenkins and Mrs. S. Thomas (VOGC).
|
|
Action
|
|
(a) Appointment
of Chairman -
In accordance with the procedure set out
in Regulation 12 of the Countryside Access (Local Access Forums)
(Wales) Regulations 2001, Jeff Wyatt reminded the LAF that the
previous Chairman had now resigned and, accordingly, sought
nominations for Chairman. The term of office of the new
Chairman would be until the demise of the current LAF in November
2008. The sole nominee put forward subsequently declined to
accept the nomination and, following consideration of an
alternative option, namely that the current Deputy Chairman assume
the Chair for the remainder of the current LAF, it was
unanimously
AGREED - T H A T the current Deputy
Chairman assume the Chair for the remaining meetings.
(b) Apologies
for Absence -
These were received from Mr. D. Hopkin,
Mrs. M. Morgan, Mr. R. Simpson and Mrs. V. Warlow; Ms. S.
Tindall (CCW).
(c) Minutes
-
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the
meeting held on 16th January, 2008 be approved as a
correct record.
In response to a question relating to
Valeways, Bob Guy confirmed that consideration was ongoing as to
how best to continue supporting Valeways, given the invaluable
contribution the organisation made.
(d) Coastal
Access Improvement Programme -
In response to concerns expressed by John
Custance in relation to footpaths in the Marcross / Monknash area,
in particular, references to Blaen-y-Cwm under Map 6 in the minutes
of the previous meeting, Chris Jones-Jenkins agreed that it would
be necessary for his team to have a further look at the areas in
question.
In response to a question from Heather
March, Bob Guy confirmed that the position in relation to the use
of existing slipways to access beaches at Ogmore, Dunraven and Cwm
Colhuw was currently being addressed.
An update was given of the present
position in relation to the preparation of the Coastal Access
Improvement Programme (CAIP). A revised list of what were
considered achievable CAIP schemes was circulated (drawn up having
regard to the advice of the consultant and to accord with current
Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) thinking with the aim that they
would be more likely to attract funding than the original
list). Bob Guy confirmed that the list was aspirational and
would act as the framework on which funding bids would be based for
the 5 year programme; the LAF would help inform the development of
that programme. Officers explained that the content of the list was
substantially the same as that first considered by the LAF in
January 2008 but that schemes had largely been condensed/ refined
to match more closely CCW criteria. Given that Members of the LAF
would have insufficient time to re-assess each scheme fully at the
meeting, the proposal made that officers be supported in promoting
the reduced list and report back to the next meeting of the LAF was
accepted. Views were, however, expressed questioning the value of
LAF contributions given the very late submission of this
comprehensive list. Bob Guy reaffirmed that the views of the LAF as
a body were taken on board as well as those expressed by individual
LAF Members and other consultees/ stakeholders; indeed, the vast
majority of the content of the list had been arrived at as a
consequence of consultation. Members were asked to contact the
Public Rights of Way Team with any further proposals as soon as
possible. The LAF would be involved in the review of the annual
programme prior to the submission of funding bids. As indicated
above, a progress report would be submitted to the next meeting for
consideration, following which site visits would be undertaken of
selected areas.
During the course of discussion on the
content of the revised list, Chris Jones-Jenkins confirmed that
were Pont-y-Werin not to be constructed there would be alternative
access and that discussions were ongoing with Cardiff Council
regarding cross border issues. Concern was expressed generally at
the difficulties experienced in Cardiff with Associated British
Ports (ABP) in obtaining access along the coast itself and to
similar difficulties being anticipated in a few years in Barry and
further along the South Wales coastline. Proposals to help resolve
the matter included an approach to ABP from the LAF either directly
or in conjunction with Cardiff LAF, and by means of this Council’s
Cabinet. It was subsequently agreed that the Secretary contact the
Chairman of the National Access Forum on this point in order that a
co-ordinated approach might be adopted.
Other matters raised during consideration
of the CAIP included the issue of “access for all”, the question
being asked as to what percentage was envisaged. Chris
Jones-Jenkins indicated that that provision would be concentrated
in Barry and Penarth where access already existed, the aim being
also to retain the rural nature of the western Vale whilst
effecting improvements suitable to that environment.
Discussion briefly took place on other locations where it was
proposed that access for all could be successfully effected. The
LAF would be notified of further details as to the level of access
for all which would eventually be included in the published
CAIP.
AGREED – THAT current position be noted
and the actions agreed progressed.
(e) LAF
Volunteers Performance Indicators Survey: 2007 -
As indicated in the report, preparations
had been made for a 5% random sample survey in addition to the
regular one (thereby increasing the annual sample rate to 10% in
line with an action point included in the ROWIP). However, of the
initial six volunteers, only four had completed their allocations;
the results of the survey undertaken in August/September2007,
therefore, represented a 3.64% sample. Graphs were circulated
indicating the percentage of Public Right of Way that was easy to
use within the Vale and the percentage of the number of paths
signposted from the road. Whilst the signposting resulted did
not differ widely from the results of the Ramblers Association
survey, there was a wide discrepancy between the two surveys in
respect of “easy to use” for which no reasons were immediately
apparent.
AGREED - THAT a similar exercise be
undertaken in the late summer/autumn of 2008 with a view to
completing a regular Performance Indicator survey every year to
supplement the spring 5% return, it being noted that the following
Members of the LAF had volunteered their services:
Mr. Custance, Mr. Field, Mrs. Hartrey, Mr.
Herbert, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Moss and Mr. Pittard.
(f) Annual
Report 2007/08 -
Consideration was given to the draft
Annual Report which had been circulated prior to the meeting.
Whilst recognising the time and effort expended on the preparation
of the document, questions were raised as to who comprised the
target audience and whether the information contained therein was
presented in such a way as to attract that audience, given in part
that much of the information within the draft report could be
obtained from reading the minutes of the LAF meetings which were
already available both in hard and electronic format.
Jeff Wyatt explained that the production of an Annual Report
was a statutory requirement and had, therefore, to contain certain
elements. He readily accepted, however, that a better way of
engaging the public’s attention might be to publish short and
snappy newsletters on the Council’s website or in hard copy through
Valewaves. In the interim the content of the current annual report
would be reduced, focussing on headline news over the last year and
achievable aims and objectives; in addition, the report would
reflect the current position since those aims and objectives were
subject to change over the course of time for various reasons. The
revised report would also indicate to readers where to find more
detailed information on the membership and work of the LAF should
they wish further information. The revised version would be
circulated by e-mail for Members’ attention.
AGREED – THAT the Secretary revise the
draft report as indicated above.
(g) Next
Meeting -
It was agreed that the next meeting would
take place in the Visitor Centre at Cosmeston at 6pm on
24th September, 2008. A representative from Valeways
would be invited to attend in order that the LAF could better
assess the position as regards continuing support to and from
Valeways. It was also anticipated that the agenda would
contain a progress report on the ROWIP. In response to
suggestions made, it was also agreed that Members meet at 5.00 p.m.
for a walk around Cosmeston.
|
CJJ
BG
BG/
CJJ
JW
CJJ
CJJ
JW
JLP
|
----------
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.
C126
PUPILS EDUCATED OTHER THAN AT SCHOOL (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) at
its meeting held on 18th February, 2008 had been advised
of arrangements which applied to children educated other than in
school within the Vale of Glamorgan. It had been reported at
that time that some 28 children within the County were being
educated at home and that 24 of these had been seen by the LEA at
least once per term.
The law required all parents to ensure that
their children received an efficient, full time education suitable
for their age, ability and aptitude, either by regular attendance
at school or otherwise. The law also allowed parents to
educate their children at home instead of sending them to school if
they fulfilled certain conditions. The Council was also
required to be satisfied that the child was receiving suitable
education at home and a specialist teacher would ask to meet with
the family in order to talk to the parents and look at examples of
work and learning. The LEA had no automatic right of access
to parents homes. Where it appeared that a child of
compulsory school age was not receiving efficient or suitable full
time education, the LEA was under a duty to serve a notice on the
parent requiring them to satisfy the authority that their child was
receiving an education 'otherwise done in school'. It was
further noted that the LEA could also apply to the court for a
child assessment should they have reasonable cause to do so.
The above Scrutiny Committee whilst accepting
the principle of home education for children expressed the view
that a child's right to a satisfactory education may not be
adequately addressed at present in view of the lack of continuous
assessment. The Committee was also advised that it was an
issue being supported by the Education Welfare Officer Group on a
national basis. The most significant issue for the LEA was
the lack of knowledge of a child.
The Scrutiny Committee subsequently
recommended the following:
"1. That
the contents of report be noted.
2. That Committee
receive regular updates.
3. That the Cabinet
be requested to consider ways in which officers of the Council can
monitoring the performance of children educated at home more
frequently in order that the children's progress can be better
assessed.
4. That the
Scrutiny Committee (Community Wellbeing and Safety) be asked to
consider if all school-age children within the Vale of Glamorgan
are known to the Council.
5. That the Cabinet
be asked to make representations to WAG to ensure the right of LEAs
to better assess the performance of children educated at home.
Reasons for recommendations
1. To note the
contents of the report.
2. To readily
inform Committee.
3. To better
monitor the performance of children educated at home.
4. To ensure that
all children of school age within the Vale of Glamorgan are known
to the Council.
5. To better
monitor the performance of children educated at home"
The recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee
(Lifelong Learning) were subsequently considered by the Scrutiny
Committee (Community Wellbeing and Safety) at the meeting held on
10th March, 2008 which at that time subsequently
recommended that recommendations (3) and (5) above be endorsed.
The Cabinet having considered the above
recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning)
RESOLVED - T H A T the Director of Learning
and Development submit a further report in respect of the issues
raised in Recommendations (3) and (5) above.
Reason for decision
To fully apprise the Cabinet of relevant
options.
C127
VOLUNTARY SECTOR COMPACT (REF) -
The Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee
at its meeting held on 22nd July, 2008 had given
consideration to the above Compact between the Voluntary Sector,
the Council, the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board and Cardiff
and Vale NHS Trust on 27th February, 2008. The
Compact had subsequently been referred to Cabinet for approval
subject to the views first being obtained of the Local Health Board
and Local Health Trust which had not been available to the above
Committee at that time. Subsequently, the Local Health Board
and Trust had asked for some minor amendments to the Compact and
had given their approval.
The Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee
had subsequently agreed "That Cabinet be requested to approve the
Compact between the Voluntary Sector, the Council, the Vale of
Glamorgan Local Health Board and the Local Health Trust".
The Cabinet having considered the above
matter
RESOLVED - T H A T the Compact between the
Voluntary Sector, the Council, the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health
Board and Local Health Trust be approved.
Reason for decision
To allow the Compact to be initiated.
C128
4TH QUARTER PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) at its meeting on 30th July, 2008 had
considered the above matter. The Head of Economic Development
and Leisure during his presentation had referred to a number of
matters relating to performance indicators, team development
reviews and personal development reviews, issues arising from both
long and short term sickness within leisure centres and matters
relating to morale of staff and low investment in leisure centres
in an increasingly competitive market. The Committee at that
time had also been made aware of the Asset Management budget
allocation of £150,000 to address issues within leisure
centres. In addition, reference had also been made to a
Leisure Centre Review commissioned in 2006 to assess how to
rejuvenate leisure centre provision through alternative ways which
had subsequently been considered by the Cabinet in 2007.
Information had been received from Neath Port
Talbot County Borough Council as to potential ways forward and
other councils in the locality were known also to be reassessing
their leisure centre provisions. The Committee considered
that the Cabinet should be asked to update Members on the current
position with regard to this matter and subsequently
recommended
"1.
.....
2. That given the
concerns expressed above, Cabinet be requested to keep this
Committee fully informed of the progress being made in respect of
Leisure Centre Management and the services provided.
3. ....."
The Cabinet, having considered the above
matter
RESOLVED - T H A T the recommendation of the
Scrutiny Committee be noted given that the Director of
Environmental and Economic Regeneration would be submitting a
report to a future meeting of the Cabinet regarding options for the
future management of Leisure Centres.
Reason for decision
To indicate the future intentions of the
Cabinet.
C129
CABINET FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2008 (CX)
(SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Cabinet were advised of their Forward Work
Programme for the above period with the report also highlighting
those reports which were still to be received from the previous
Forward Work Programme covering the period May - July 2008 and the
associated reasons for delay.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Forward Work Programme for the period September - December
2008, together with the publication of details of availability of
the programme be endorsed.
(2) T H A
T the reasons for delay in submitting reports to Cabinet in the
period May - July 2008, be noted.
Reason for decision
(1&2) To comply with the
requirements of the Local Government Act 2000, subordinate
legislation and the Council's Constitution.
C130
EXTERNAL FUNDING APPLICATIONS (CX) (SCRUTINY - SOCIAL CARE AND
HEALTH) -
Retrospective approval was sought to submit an
application to maximise the external funding resources to support
the delivery of corporate objectives in respect of the development
of Transition Key Working in Wales.
The Council had led on the development of a
Vale Multi-Agency Transitional Project to support disabled young
people aged 14-25. The project would include those who did
not meet the current criteria for social services and whether the
disability was learning, physical or sensory. A transitional
worker would be appointed to all disabled young people at the age
of 14 who would provide information and support to assist with
access to education, health services, welfare rights, housing and
employment. The project would be restricted to those referred
before their 18th birthday.
The service would be delivered through a team
of mixed disciplines (social care, education and health) consisting
of one senior project worker and four project workers. It was
also proposed that the Council would host the project. The
senior project worker and two project workers would be appointed by
the Council to complement existing project workers employed by the
Adult Social Services and the Children and Young People
Service.
In the event of the application being
approved, it was anticipated that three additional staff would be
recruited in October on a fixed term contracts until
31st March, 2011. The Assembly had informed
authorities that they expected to announce the successful pilot
projects circa 5th September, 2008.
A multi disciplinary Project Management Board would be established
and include members of the Children and Young People's Framework
and Adult Services.
The total grant sought to employ the three
project workers was £325,000. Match funding for the project
would be derived from the salaries of two existing project workers
employed by the authority together with administrative support to
be provided by Social Services. This funding totalled
approximately £240,000 for the period 2008-2011.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the submission of a pilot
application to the Welsh Assembly Government in respect of the
development of Transition Key Working in Wales be approved.
Reason for decision
To enable the appointment of transition key
workers in the Vale of Glamorgan for young people with disabilities
between the ages of 14 to 25.
C131
CHARTER BETWEEN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL AND TOWN AND
COMMUNITY COUNCILS (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
The report sought to advise the Cabinet of the
proposed composition of a working group to develop an action plan
to achieve the principles set out in the above Charter.
It was noted that all four town councils and
16 community councils had become signatories of the Charter and 6
community councils which were currently non signatories.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the composition of the
working group to make proposals for an action plan as set out in
paragraphs 6 and 7 of the report be endorsed.
Reason for decision
In order to achieve the principles of the
Charter.
C132
APPOINTMENTS TO OUTSIDE BODIES/JOINT COMMITTEES (CX) (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
The report sought to advise the Cabinet of
issues relating to various outside bodies, and where relevant, to
appoint/nominate representatives accordingly.
It was noted the vast majority of appointments
and nominations were dealt with by means of the Cabinet at its
meetings held on 28th May and 11th June,
2008. Since this time the following organisations had
informed the Council that provision for representation was no
longer appropriate:
Road Safety Council for Wales
Thaw and Cadoxton Catchment Abstraction
Management Group
University of Wales: Court of Governors
Waterfront: Public Liaison Group
Welsh Sports Council for the Disabled.
In addition to these matters, the National
Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection was now known as
Environmental Protection UK.
Given the organisations remit it was
appropriate that the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee (Housing
and Public Protection) be appointed as one of the Council's three
representatives (as opposed to the Chairman of the Scrutiny
Committee (Corporate Resources)) as originally agreed by
Cabinet.
The Conservative Group had also indicated that
it wished that the Council Leader replace Councillor Mrs. V.L.
Ellis on the Joint Council for Wales: Employers' Side.
The remaining vacancy on the Consortium of
Local Authorities in Wales had been previously deferred by the
Cabinet pending determination of the relevant Scrutiny Committee
Chairman. It was in fact the Chairman of the Scrutiny
Committee (Housing and Public Protection).
A vacancy continued on the Vale of Glamorgan
Community Health Council.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public
Protection) replace the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee
(Corporate Resources) as one of the Council's three representatives
on Environmental Protection UK.
(2) T H A
T the Council Leader replace Councillor Mrs. V.L. Ellis on the
Joint Council or Wales: Employers Side.
(3) T H A
T the remaining vacancy on the Consortium of Local Authorities in
Wales, be filled by the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee (Housing
and Public Protection).
(4) T H A
T Mr. D. Street be nominated to fill the vacancy on the Vale of
Glamorgan Community Health Council.
(5) T H A
T where legally possible, attendance at meetings of organisations
to which a Member had been nominated or appointed by the Council be
classed as an approved duty for which travelling and subsistence
allowances are payable, in accordance with the Council's
scheme.
Reasons for decisions
(1-4) To ensure the
continuity of representation by the Council on outside bodies.
(5) To
remunerate Members accordingly.
C133
NETWORK RAIL ROUTEUTILISATION STRATEGY (RUS)
CONSULTATION 2008 (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
-
The Council had been invited by the above
organisation to comment on their Draft Ten Year Route Utilisation
Strategy (RUS). Feedback was required by 22nd
August, 2008 and an initial response was sent making it clear that
any further comments of the Cabinet would be forwarded
subsequently.
Since 2004 Network Rail had had a new
responsibility to develop a Strategy to deal with capacity on the
rail network and had now produced a RUS for Wales that was capable
of being funded for the next 10 years. It had been developed
taking into account both the Wales Rail Planning Assessment and the
Wales Spatial Plan. Following the adoption of "National
Transport Strategy One Wales: Connecting the Nation" in April 2008
the RUS would form the basis for the rail element of the national
plans for delivery of the Strategy, due to be published in
2009.
There were currently 241 railway stations
throughout Wales mostly in the SEWTA area and 900 miles of
track. Whilst in Wales there was visible overcrowding in
comparison to England, there was an expectation that growth was
little to cause issues of overcrowding within the next 10 years and
measures were required to be taken to provide extra carriages and
lengthen platforms to provide 50% more capacity.
Whilst some schemes were underway and some
were at the design stage, some were yet to have a business case and
some were at different stages of identified funding.
Within the RUS there were a number of issues
for the Council to consider as there were direct implications for
residents within the Vale of Glamorgan. The RUS included
aspirations to increase trains through Queen Street Station,
Cardiff from 12 to 16 per hour. To enable this happen,
significant works at Queen Street Station were required.
Major renewal of signalling equipment in the Newport and Cardiff
area was due to take place within the next five to seven years
where the additional enhancement works were planned to be carried
out, at the same time to ensure works were progressed in a cost
effective manner. Major works at Cogan Junction were included
in the Cardiff scheme to enable a step-change in network capacity
on the South Wales Valleys routes.
Due to the current eight passenger trains per
hour, and the growing volumes of coal to Aberthaw Power Station,
any additional train paths between Cardiff and Bridgend via Barry
and the Vale were precluded. Therefore, it had been
identified that it was possible to switch one of the three Barry
Island trains per hour to become a second Vale of Glamorgan service
offering a half hourly service to the Vale of Glamorgan line.
To ensure that there was no detrimental effect to the Barry Island
service, recommendations were being made to build in an additional
platform at Barry station to cater for a further train to operate
as a shuttle service between Barry Station and Barry Island and to
meet the Vale of Glamorgan line trains.
In addition to the above, the WAG had
requested that an additional Vale of Glamorgan line station be
considered to accommodate the proposals for the major development
of growth at RAF St. Athan. However, it had been identified
that at existing line speeds, there was insufficient turn around
time at Bridgend Station to permit Down direction Vale of Glamorgan
trains to call at an additional new station, thus arriving late, or
for Vale of Glamorgan trains to return earlier from Bridgend in the
Up direction to call at any new stations. To physically
achieve the time saving necessary to allow an extra stop at St.
Athan, there would need to be an off-setting line speed
improvement. It was noted that further development of this
option was recommended if the St. Athan Defence Academy allowed an
economic case to be made.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the contents of the Route Utilisation Strategy be noted.
(2) T H A
T the response paper attached at Appendix 1 to the report be
endorsed.
(3) T H A
T the response paper from Sewta at Appendix 2 to the report be
endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that Members were kept informed of Network Rail's
programme.
(2) To
acquire Members' endorsement of the response paper.
(3) To
acquire Members' endorsement of Sewta response paper.
C134
WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION - AFFORDABLE HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT PLANS DRAFT GUIDANCE (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
The WAG had issued draft guidance for
consultation on the preparation of Affordable Housing Development
Plans (AHDPs). The closing date for consultation was
1st September, 2008 and as a consequence a response had
already been issued with the caveat that further comments may
follow as a result of consideration by Cabinet and Planning
Committee on the 3rd and 4th September, 2008
respectively.
The securing of affordable housing through the
planning system was a key objective of the WAG "One Wales"
Agreement, which set out a target for the delivery of 6500 new
affordable homes by 2011. The production of the Plans was
seen by WAG as essential for ensuring that national planning
guidance on affordable housing was implemented in a timely way so
that more affordable housing was delivered in the short term.
To achieve this, the guidance proposed that AHDPs would provide an
interim single purpose measure for securing of affordable housing
until such time that each local authority had an adopted Local
Development Plan (LDP) in place.
The principal framework for the delivery of
affordable housing through the planning system within the Vale of
Glamorgan was the Adopted Unitary Development Plan (UDP)
(1996-2011). The key planning policies within the UDP for
affordable housing were policies HOUS12 and HOUS13. The
former sought to secure a reasonable element of affordable housing
on "substantial sites", the latter setting out the criteria for
smaller schemes within the rural Vale. These policies were
supported by the Supplementary Planning Guidance that provided
further detail on the implementation and requirements of the UDP
policy. In addition the Council had already produced a Local
Housing Strategy (2008), which set out the Council's strategic
priorities and objectives for housing, including affordable
housing. A Local Housing Market Assessment had also been
undertaken which identified the current and future levels of
affordable housing in the Vale and should be used as a material
consideration in the determination of planning proposals.
Therefore, for authorities such as the Vale of Glamorgan who had
already adopted UDPs and were supported by Supplementary Guidance
in place, the requirements to produce AHDPs was considered to be
inappropriate. Not only would it detract officers resources
away from work currently being undertaken on the emerging Local
Development Plan but, it would also duplicate work already
undertaken through Local Housing Strategies.
Set against the policy background, Council
officers proposed that the detailed representation attached at
Appendix 1 to the report be submitted to WAG for consideration
prior to the final publication of guidance on AHDPs.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T subject to consultation with the Planning Committee, Cabinet
endorses the report as the Council's formal response to the Welsh
Assembly Government's consultation draft on Affordable Housing
Development Plans Draft Guidance.
(2) T H A
T the report be referred to the Planning Committee for
consideration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
advise Members of the consultation exercise together with the
Council's representations made to the WAG on the draft
guidance.
(2) The
Planning Committee endorse the appended report as the Council's
formal to the WAG.
C135
WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION PAPER - PLANNING FOR CLIMATE
CHANGE (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The above consultation document was issued on
7th July, 2008 and subject to this, consultation changes
would be proposed by the WAG to the draft Ministerial Interim
Planning Policy Statement (MIPPS) (12/06) that was issued on
Planning for Climate Change in December 2006.
The Paper made it clear that further
amendments were required to reflect the WAG's 2011 zero carbon
aspiration, the "One Wales" commitment to the devolution of the
Building Regulations and the adoption of the Code for Sustainable
Homes in Wales. In this regard the papers sought the views on
policies in the following areas:
·
the design of developments to include Climate Change mitigation and
adaptation measures
·
the use of sustainable building standards
·
the incorporation of local renewable and low carbon energy sources
in new developments and
·
the ability for Local Planning Authorities to set higher standards
in the above areas for strategic sites.
Officers had made a number of comments on the
consultation document the details of which were set out in
paragraph 5 of the report. In addition to these comments,
Cabinet was also being asked to consider the detailed comments
provided within Appendix 2 of the report which comments provided
the basis for the response for the Council to the consultation
exercise.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the contents of "Planning for Climate Change: Further
Consultation" be noted.
(2) T H A
T subject to consultation with the Council's Planning Committee, a
copy of the report and the attached response at Appendix 2 to the
report to specific consultation questions be forwarded to WAG.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
advise Members of the publication of consultation by WAG on the
topic of Planning for Climate Change.
(2) To
enable the Council to adequately respond to that consultation.
C136
LIFESTYLE FITNESS STUDIOS EQUIPMENT (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
Approval was sought to obtain an exemption
from the Council's Financial Regulation and Contract Standing
Orders in relation to the purchase of new fitness equipment for the
expansion of Barry Leisure Centre Lifestyle Fitness Studio and to
report the use of the Chief Executive's Emergency Powers to
purchase Technogym equipment (wave machines) for all four fitness
studios.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the requirement to comply with the Council's Financial
Regulations and Contract Standing Orders in respect of the purchase
of new fitness equipment for the expansion of Barry Leisure Fitness
Studio from Trixter Europe Limited and Technogym (UK) Limited
respectively, be waived.
(2) T H A
T Cabinet approve an increase in the Capital Programme for 2008/09
by £16,000 to be funded from Economic Development and Leisure
reserves for the purchase of the Technogym Wave Cardiovascular
machines.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that the fitness studio continues to offer the best possible
experience to customers and to demonstrate the Council's ability to
introduce new fitness initiatives quickly.
(2) To
demonstrate the Council's ability to introduce new fitness
initiatives quickly.
C137
WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION PAPER - PROPOSALS FOR
RESOURCES FOR PLANNING SERVICES (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
The WAG had previously carried out research to
ascertain the costs in providing a Planning Service by local
planning authorities and the current consultation exercise was part
of an ongoing review of the planning fee structure in existence
throughout Wales. The current consultation exercise followed
a previous consultation and resultant fee increase during 2006.
The consultation paper set out the background
to planning fees and acknowledged that planning applications were
more time consuming and expensive to process than others.
However, the consultation paper did make it clear that planning
fees did not and were not expected to cover the cost of the
planning service in its entirety. The consultation paper was
attached at Appendix 1 whereas the response of officers to
questions relating to the consultation exercise were provided at
Appendix 2.
In summary, the following key points were
required to be presented to WAG:
(i) Increase in
fees annually an in line with inflation to come into force every
year on 1st April was essential and long overdue.
(ii)
The abolition of maximum fee thresholds was also welcomed.
(iii) Fees
for discharging conditions may well be appropriate, but such fees
would only be payable if a "formal request" for confirmation of
compliance is received. There already exists a mechanism for
such a formal request through the Lawful Development Certificate
process. One therefore must conclude that the new system
would simply duplicate a perfectly adequate system that already
exists. This proposal, as a result requires further
assessment and thought.
(iv) Local
Planning Authorities should continue to operate "free" pre
application advice. This should not be a "chargeable"
service. Having written procedures on pre-application advice
(as is the case with this Council) is however appropriate.
(v)
Additional fees should be raised for enforcement related
applications and appeals, based on the "polluter pays"
principle.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the consultation paper entitled "Proposals for Resourcing the
Planning Service" be noted.
(2) T H A
T subject to consultation with the Council's Planning Committee, a
copy of the report and the attached response at Appendix 2 to the
specific consultation questions be forwarded to the Welsh Assembly
Government.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
advise Members of the publication by the Welsh Assembly Government
on "Proposals for Resourcing the Planning Service".
(2) To
enable the Council to adequately respond to the consultation
exercise by 19th September, 2008.
C138
REVENUE MONITORING FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL, 2008 TO
31ST JULY, 2008 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -
Members were apprised of the progress of
revenue expenditure for the above period including details of
movement between services. Although there were pressures on
service budgets the current forecast was for a balanced budget on
the Council Fund and on the Housing Revenue Account.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the position with regard to
the Authority's 2008/09 Revenue Budget be noted.
Reason for decision
In order to ensure that Members are aware of
the projected revenue outturn for 2008/09.
C139
COMPLAINTS OF MALADMINISTRATION AGAINST THE COUNCIL (MO) (SCRUTINY
- NONE) -
The Cabinet was apprised of the outcome of
investigations conducted by the Commissioner for Local
Administration in Wales into allegations of maladministration
against the Council.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the contents of the report
be noted.
Reason for decision
To inform the Cabinet and Council.
C140
CAPITAL MONITORING FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL TO
31ST JULY, 2008 AND TREASURY MANAGEMENT (CMT) (SCRUTINY
- ALL) -
The Cabinet was apprised of progress made on
the 2008/09 Capital Programme for the above period and where
necessary request changes to the programme. Approval was also
sought to amend the maximum holding which may be placed with
Investec Asset Management, the Authority's external fund
managers.
This was a matter for Executive decision with
exception to Resolution (4) which was a matter for Council
approval.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Youth Service Capital Grants - the increase in the budget by
£169,807 be approved to reflect a funding grant from the Welsh
Assembly Government.
(2) T H A
T the Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIP) - the increase in the
budget by £46,740 be approved to reflect a funding grant received
from the Countryside Council for Wales.
(3) T H A
T the Holton Road Public Realm Improvements - the increase in
the budget by £258,000 be approved to reflect grant funding
received from the Welsh Assembly Government in the sum of £233,000
and Council funding of £25,000.
(4) T H A
T the maximum holding with Investec Asset Management be increased
from £20million to £25 million and that the matter be referred to
Council for approval.
Reasons for decisions
(1-3) To allow schemes to be
undertaken in the current financial year.
(4) To
increase the maximum investment holding managed by Investec Asset
Management.