SCRUTINY COMMITTEE (ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
MINUTES of a meeting held on 12th February, 2008.
Present: Councillor N.P. Hodges (Chairman); Councillors R.J. Bertin, Ms. L. Burnett, J. Clifford, Miss. J. Cole, G.A. Cox, A.D. Dobbinson, E. Hacker, Mrs. M. Kelly Owen, Mrs. A.J. Preston, Mrs. S.I. Sharpe and A.J. Williams.
Also present: Councillors R.F. Curtis, N. Moore, A.G. Powell, B.I. Shaw and K.R. Stockdale.
783 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE –
These were received from Councillors Mrs. A.J. Moore, W.C. Vaughan, S.T. Wiliam and M.R. Wilson.
784 MINUTES –
RECOMMENDED – T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 15th January, 2008 be approved as a correct record.
785 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST –
No declarations were received.
786 REVENUE AND CAPITAL MONITORING: 1ST APRIL, 2007 – 31ST DECEMBER, 2007 (DEER) –
The projected out turn for 2007/08 Revenue Budget was shown in comparison with the Annual Budget in Appendix 1 to the report, the current forecast being for a balanced budget. Details of the current variances in various services were contained within the report, it being noted that the position in each case would be closely monitored to ensure that, where there was an adverse variance at present the necessary savings were met. As regards the Capital Programme, details regarding progress as at 31st December, 2007 were appended to the report. Cabinet had recently approved the following changes to the 2007/08 Capital Programme:
· Leisure Centre refurbishment – the Capital Programme to be increased by £36,362, funded by Sports Council for Wales grant
· Entrepreneurship Centre – the Capital Programme to be increased by £72,000 funded by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO)
· Alley Gates phase 8 – the Capital Programme to be increased by £80,000 funded by a WEFO grant
· Knap Development – transfer funding of £100,000 from the Network Rail bridges budget into the Knap Development budget in 2007/08 and reverse in 2008/09.
As regards those schemes which would not be completed on target, Cabinet had agreed that Council be asked to approve the following changes:
· Ystradowen – carry forward £107,000 into 2008/09 Capital Programme
· works to existing civic amenities site – carry forward of £44,000 into 2008/09
· civic amenity adaptations for WEEE – carry forward of £18,000 into 2008/09
· Network Rail bridges – carry forward of £475,000 into 2008/09
· Holton Road shop fronts – carry forward of £50,000 into 2008/09.
In response to questions, it was confirmed that it was hoped that work on both the Knap Shelters would be carried out in tandem and that they would be open by Easter, that responsibility for the tunnel and the railway line at Barry Dock Station and the unkempt condition thereof was the responsibility of Network Rail and not the Council; that the reason for the delay in relation to works at the existing civic amenity site had been as a consequence of the original tender prices coming in far higher than anticipated necessitating a redesign of the scheme; and that ways in which to address the traffic congestion in the area of Cogan railway bridge were continuing to be investigated.
RECOMMENDED – T H A T the position with regard to the 2007/08 Capital Revenue Monitoring be noted.
Reason for recommendation
That Members were aware of the position with regard to the 2007/08 Revenue and Capital Monitoring relevant to the Committee.
787 THE PORT OF BARRY –
The Chairman welcomed Mr. Callum Couper, Deputy Port Manager, South Wales Ports and Mr. Byron Lewis from Associated British Ports (ABP). Mr. Couper opened his presentation by referring to the Port as being a key asset providing an interface of water and surface transport links with land availability. He drew attention to various facts and figures relating to the Port including the capacity at the two entrances, one of which was particularly deep allowing access and egress to a variety of ships.
112 tenants were accommodated on the Port estate promoting trades including liquid bulk chemicals, forest products, metals, coal, cement and intermodal rail services. It was recognised the role of regional ports like Barry was changing in response to environmental issues, road congestion and new trading patterns, as evidenced in part by the graph showing traffic through the Port over the last 30 years. Ports which could process the raw material and thereby reduce land transportation were particularly attractive and, as was widely recognised, Barry was particularly crucial to the chemical industry. Mr. Couper outlined the effect of ABP South Wales Ports on the regional economy quoting for each £1m. ABP output produced a further £0.4m. output and 12 full time jobs in the regional economy; each £1m. ABP tenant output supported a further £0.5m. output in the region. ABP had five ports in South Wales which were run as one unit, the point being made that the five ABP ports were not in competition with each other and that competition in fact came from operators from across the Channel or the rivers. No breakdown was available as to the number of jobs created in Barry. Mr. Couper referred to the preferred strategy of the emerging Local Development Plan and the need therein to recognise the Port as a potential economic driver for supporting future and existing businesses and investors providing a combination of road, rail and maritime transportation together with land availability; linking the Port as part of the offering for potential investment at Hayes Wood and Atlantic Trading Estate employment sites; as a potential site for a regional waste facility with trimodal freight option; and explicitly supporting sea and rail transport as environmentally less damaging modes. Questions were asked relating to the potential impact on the working Port of the ongoing development of the Waterfront together with a potential Marina at No. 1 Dock. Mr. Lewis referred to Marinas being a key component of ABP’s business and that Marinas and Ports were not incompatible. The current position was that the feasibility study was being undertaken in respect of a Marina at No. 1 Dock, that the Mole had been excluded from the sale of land for that purpose, and that, whilst a feasibility study was being undertaken, ABP was working with Barry Yacht Club regarding a temporary slipway focussed on the Mole in order to maximise the use of the water for pleasure related pastimes. The feasibility study was due within the next few months, the outcome of which would facilitate the decision making process. The point was made that ABP would require a return on any investment put into Marina development and that, therefore, the costs of the scheme would determine whether it could go ahead. Members considered that the constriction of a Marina would encourage greater mixed development on the Waterfront and were keen that progress to that end be made as expeditiously as possible. Reference was also made in subsequent discussions to the implications of the construction of a Severn Barrage, to the fact that WAG had shown a real commitment in terms of the regeneration of Barry generally and of the site specifically given their part ownership, and that what was required to facilitate the optimum development of the Waterfront was a master plan. In conclusion, Mr. Couper as Operational Manager of the Port drew attention to future opportunities including the possibility of “Energy from Waste” projects, and other renewable schemes, secondary aggregate exports and the Metrix development, and his intention as far as possible to maximise those opportunities.
RECOMMENDED – T H A T Mr. Couper and Mr. Lewis be thanked for their informative presentation.
Reason for decision
To recognise the contribution made.
(Note: Councillors R.F. Curtis, N. Moore, A.G. Powell and K.R. Stockdale spoke on the above matter with the consent of the Committee).
788 THE WATERFRONT, BARRY (DEER) –
A report outlining progress on proposals for the regeneration of the Waterfront had been submitted as requested by this Committee back in February 2007 when it had received a presentation from representatives from the WAG and Associated British Ports (ABP). ABP had entered into an agreement in September 2007 to sell all the remaining undeveloped areas of land excluding the Mole to a Consortium comprising Barratt Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes. Under the terms of the agreement, that Consortium was responsible for pursuing any planning permission that would be necessary to implement further development in accordance with a phasing scheme and Masterplan to be approved by ABP and WAG. Discussions had already taken place between officers and representatives of the Consortium on the content of any future planning application, the drawing up of a Development Brief and overall Masterplan for the site being required prior to any planning application being submitted.
The Committee received Mr. Richard Keogh from Persimmon Homes, Mr. Byron Lewis from ABP and Mr. Paul Williams from WAG. Mr. Keogh, having become involved in the project since November 2007, spoke on behalf of the Consortium. He commenced by drawing attention to the fact that the market place had changed significantly since the site was first acquired with a drop in profits in the last 6 months of between 10 – 15%. He stressed the need to work together to manage expectation and balance the outcome, and to ensure that the project was profitable to all. Representatives of the Consortium had already met with the Cabinet when it had been made clear that the provision of a link road between the Waterfront and Barry Island was considered crucial as was a mixed development with high design quality. The construction of the road was seen as fundamental to the project although Mr. Keogh made the point that the line of the road should not affect the cohesion of the site. It was hoped that the road would be installed fairly early into the project although the need to maximise income potential had to be recognised and the scheme, therefore, assessed accordingly. The need to work together to ensure that links were developed not only between the Waterfront and Barry Island but between the Waterfront and the town centre was fully recognised. The need to compliment development in each of those (and other areas of the town) was equally recognised. Mr. Keogh confirmed that the aim was to deliver in the region of 2,000 dwellings on the Waterfront comprising 1,300 houses and 700 apartments. It was hoped that planning permission would be achieved within 6 – 12 months with phasing of the development being in the region of 200 properties per annum. Mr. Keogh saw this as the opportunity to deliver housing with gardens and streets creating a more traditional living environment than that achieved in the earlier phase of the Waterfront development, ensuring the long term sustainability of the area. Mr. Keogh explained that a critical mass of residential development was essential in order to attract businesses to the area and thereby ensure the mixed development that was wanted. His view, however, that the siting of a reasonably sized supermarket on the Waterfront would act as an anchor in attracting not only passing trade but “spin-offs” such as cafes / hairdressers, and located within a “commercial core” where businesses would feed off each other was not widely welcomed, Members preferring instead that a supermarket be sited within the Town Centre itself. The potential interest reported of an hotel chain in locating to the Waterfront was better received but, once again, views were expressed that an hotel might be better suited to a suitable location on Barry Island. Mr. Keogh referred to the fact that the Consortium would take account of any interest expressed in the sites on offer at the Waterfront, having regard to the costs of £60 – 70m. which would need to be expended prior to the sale of the first property and the need to maximise the profitability of the project; whilst having sympathy with the wishes of the Council for a mixed development incorporating a café culture, he drew attention to current market forces but confirmed that the development would be designed with flexibility in mind to allow for changing markets and requirements. As indicated above, Members considered the need for complementary development to take place on Barry Island and the Waterfront harmonising with the Town Centre and other shopping areas of the town to be paramount and for good links to be constructed between each.
The Consortium was keen to encourage a Marina into the area and was working closely with the other partners to that end. Paramount to the development was good design quality which would have a long term effect on not only attracting people to the area but in ensuring those people wanted to remain/return. Mr. Keogh reiterated the aim of creating a “community”; green spaces, cycle routes and a “street” environment formed part of the aim and it was noted that a landscape architect and sustainability expert had now been engaged; good public transport links were already close at hand and it was to be hoped that additional bus routes could be introduced to serve the new development. He confirmed the intention for the properties to be reasonably priced given the need to populate the development and thereby foster that sense of community at the earliest opportunity. In response to a question regarding potential annoyance from children and youths (both those from the new development and beyond), Mr. Keogh indicated that the scheme was being designed to minimise the potential for anti-social behaviour and maximise pride in the community.
In summary, the planning processes, including the widespread consultation and the general negotiations which were required to be undertaken were summarised. A Masterplan and Development Brief were required to be drawn up, assessments pertaining to issues including sustainability/environmental/transport/housing/education/leisure/public art would need to be undertaken and discussed prior to any development taking place. The necessity of not only consulting but informing local Members and the wider community together with this Committee was stressed. To that end, it was
RECOMMENDED -
(1) THAT Mr. Keogh be thanked for his presentation, and that quarterly reports on progress be made to this Committee.
Reason for recommendations
(1) To monitor progress.
(2) To make the Executive aware of the views of Scrutiny.
(Note: Councillors A.G. Powell and K.R. Stockdale spoke on the above matter with the consent of the Committee).
789 TOWN CENTRE TASK AND FINISH GROUP (CHAIRMAN OF T&FG) -
Councillor Ms. L. Burnett, as Chairman of the Town Centre Task and Finish Group, presented the report to Committee. The focus of the ad hoc review had been ”to assist the development of an holistic approach to the regeneration of Holton Road by examining:
(i) the identity to be created for the area
(ii) the barriers to attracting and retaining vibrant businesses in the area of Holton Road under consideration
(iii) the accessibility of Holton Road given the need to minimise retail leakage and maximise investment and consequently footfall
(iv) potential solutions / remedial measures, the purpose being to identify the roles and responsibilities of the Council, to evaluate how efficiently and effectively the Council responded to its roles and responsibilities and to have regard to local views whilst adopting a realistic approach to what could or could not be achieved”.
In addition to the three meetings held in 2006/07, a site visit of the area had been undertaken. Local retailers had attended one of those meetings and a considerable amount of statistical and related retail information had been considered. The Group had agreed that the most significant elements to the regeneration of any town centre should be:
· the establishment of a Marketing and Events Programme (encouraging new investment by communicating action and challenging perceptions of investors and local residents)
· consideration as to attracting and retaining vibrant businesses.
The following 15 recommendations has been drawn up and progress against each of those recommendations was appended to the report:
(i) that the number of retail outlets vacant in the Barry Town Centre be considered with different marketing techniques being employed – progress included discussions with private sector landlords; possible advertisement on the Barry Towntalk website; and publicity through the “town centre re-launch”
(ii) that the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) recommend to Cabinet the lobbying of Central Government in respect of business rates and the possibility of introducing a sliding scale for new businesses – the removal of the discretion previously given to local authorities to assist businesses being seen as a retrograde step
(iii) that Cabinet consider how it could assist local businesses within the area, in particular relating to advertising and the development of an Events Programme for the Town Hall, Library and the Town Hall Square
(iv) that consideration be given to trimming the trading area of Holton Road – to be addressed through the Town Centre Living Study
(v) that the use of grants to assist business start-up and retention in the area be explored – business start-up grants to be reviewed once the 2008/09 budgets had been agreed; Commercial Renewal Area grant assistance available in the designated area for eligible works up to a maximum of 50%
(vi) that car parking charges remain free until further regeneration of the area takes place – the Car Park Working Group had agreed in 2005/06 that this should be considered when the trading environment had stabilised
(vii) that accommodation above retail outlets be recommended for conversion to residential use – to be considered by the Town Centre Living Study
(viii) that future literature on the town be encouraged to include details of all the new facilities available within the town – to be addressed late in 2008
(ix) that the outcome of the Town Centre Living Study be presented to the Scrutiny Committee when available – anticipated later in 2008
(x) that the Town Centre Manager continues to encourage retailers into the area by advising of the strengths of the area and outlining the proposed future developments – an ongoing process
(xi) that a supermarket be encouraged to the area – discussions held with Tesco Express and a private developer with some progress being made, it being noted also that both traders, leaders and shoppers together with Pride in Barry fully supported the introduction of a supermarket in a recent press article
(xii) that a report outlining options for the establishment of a coffee shop / tea room within Holton Road be presented to Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) – it being noted that the above suggestion was not related to a later Cabinet proposal in respect of the Town Hall exhibition area
(xiii) that Barry Town Centre be linked to any promotions that the Vale of Glamorgan as a Council undertakes throughout the Vale – a specific link of news items and shopping information for all 4 town centres was made through the Towntalk websites
(xiv) that promotional material for Barry move towards a re-branding of the Town Centre along the lines of “Stylish but inclusive” – proposals being developed to be presented to the private sector in terms of working in partnership to re-brand and re-launch the town centre
(xv) that the Scrutiny Committee maintains a watching brief on the future regeneration of the town.
Attention was drawn to the fact that a number of the actions necessary to make progress, particularly (iii), (v) and (xiv) above, would require resources not currently available and that, with regard to (x), the post of Town Centre Manager was currently vacant although the previous postholder was still actively involved with town centre management.
Following consideration of the above and the more detailed information contained within the report itself, including the desirability of extending the remit of the Group to cover other town centres within the Vale, it was
RECOMMENDED - T H A T the above recommendations be endorsed and the report referred to Cabinet for consideration, in particular recommendations (ii) and (iii) as requested by the Task and Finish Group.
(Note: Councillor K.R. Stockdale spoke on the above matter with the consent of the Committee).