Minutes of a meeting held on
25th March, 2009.
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, R.L. Traherne and Mrs. D.M. Turner.
C377
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 11th March, 2009 be approved as a correct
record.
C378
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
There were no declarations of interest.
C379
REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION - COUNCILLOR R.F. CURTIS - WORLD
ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN - HOUSING (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public
Protection) at its meeting held on 24th February, 2009
gave consideration to the above matter and heard the response of
the Head of Housing Services which entailed the actions the Council
could take to assist residents during the above downturn in respect
of the supply of appropriate housing. In addition to these
matters the Scrutiny Committee also heard the positive steps the
Council was taking to support local residents namely:
·
the continued investment in the Council's housing stock which would
provide opportunities for local labour and suppliers
·
the delivery of a number of initiatives in respect of energy
efficiency schemes and combating fuel poverty
·
a mortgage rescue scheme which had recently been introduced in
partnership with Hafod Housing Association
·
the inclusion of an additional £1.6million of Social Housing Grant
over three years which had been granted to the Council as part of
the WAG initiative to 'build out of the recession'
·
the identification of a number of surplus housing owned site which
subject to planning consent could be sold to Registered Social
Landlords to enable social housing development.
The Scrutiny Committee also discussed a number
of related issues in respect of the Council's ability to meet the
outcomes of the recent Housing Needs Assessment, void property
turnaround times, the Council's housing waiting list numbers, the
number of families in temporary accommodation, the number of
families housed in Council accommodation, public sector
accommodation and private sector accommodation, progress in respect
of a pilot leasing scheme, the Vale's Local Housing Allowance and
rental increases in the private sector and related issues in
respect of the Discretionary Housing Payments and the general
public's attitude towards social housing.
The Scrutiny Committee subsequently
recommended 'That the Cabinet be requested to approve a
media campaign including regular articles in the Vale Waves free
newspaper, promoting the benefits of Council / social housing
tenure in order to counter the negative stereotyping currently held
by some sections of the general public'.
Cabinet, having considered the above and
related issues
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the recommendations of the Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public
Protection) be accepted.
(2) T H A
T a further report be submitted to Cabinet on options for
promoting/publicising the benefits of Council / social housing
tenure.
C380
FEES AND CHARGES 2009/10 - VISIBLE SERVICES (REF) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) meeting on 10th March, 2009 was apprised of
the proposed charges for services within Visible Services which had
been increased by the current rate of inflation with the exception
of waste charges which were increased to reflect the market cost of
the waste disposal. The Scrutiny Committee at that time also
noted that for those outdoor leisure charges for parks and grounds
maintenance which were subject to VAT, those rates had not changed
in December 2008 when VAT had been reduced to 15%. The
proposed increases to charges related to waste management and
cleansing, and parks and grounds maintenance. There were no
proposals to increase charges for coastal car parks from last
year's prices. However, it was proposed to increase charges
for filming on the highway and Cafe Style Licences by the rate of
inflation (2.2%).
The Scrutiny Committee subsequently
recommended 'That the charges and fee proposals for
Building and Visible Services as set out in the report and its
appendices be endorsed and forwarded to Cabinet for
approval'.
Cabinet, having considered the above and
related matters
RESOLVED - T H A T the recommendations of the
Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) be accepted.
C381
CONTROLLING THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN PUBLIC PLACES (REF)
-
The Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public
Protection) at its meeting held on 11th March, 2009
considered the above report which apprised the Members of the
Scrutiny Committee of the South Wales Police Constabulary's
evaluation of their activity to enforce the Orders made by this
Council under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, where the
consumption of alcohol when asked not to do so by police officers,
was an offence.
The Scrutiny Committee was informed that since
the introduction of the above Orders, the police within the Vale of
Glamorgan had made wide use of their additional powers to seize and
dispose of alcohol. This had resulted in the virtual
eradication of all drink related crime and disorder within a number
of locations across the Vale. The combination of also
introducing signage in these areas had also provided a physical
deterrent when police were not present.
Since the introduction of the Orders many
representations had been received from Elected Members, the police,
town and community councils and other stakeholder organisations
requesting that further named areas be considered for inclusion
within such an Order. Some of these areas had been identified
as priorities at local PACTs. Prior to the inclusion of
additional areas in an Order, the Council must be satisfied that
the anti-social behaviour, nuisance or disorder being experienced
was associated with the consumption of alcohol. Discussions
had taken place with the police to ascertain whether the areas in
respect which representation had been received were indeed suitable
for designation and that there was evidence of a problem.
Having considered all the evidence, the below
sites had been identified as those most likely to benefit from
designation:
|
·
Victoria Playing Fields
|
Penarth
|
|
·
All Saints Church Grounds
|
Penarth
|
|
·
Windsor Gardens
|
Penarth
|
|
·
Cwrt-y-Vil / Old Penarthians Recreation Ground
|
Penarth
|
|
·
St. David's Park / St. Cyres Field
|
Penarth
|
|
·
Parc Bryn y Don
|
Dinas Powys
|
|
·
Poplars Park
|
Cowbridge
|
|
·
Milburn Park
|
Rhoose
|
|
·
Community Centre Grounds including the park at Stewart Road
|
Rhoose
|
|
·
Rhoose Train Station and car park
|
Rhoose
|
|
·
Llantwit Major Train Station and adjoining car park
|
Llantwit Major
|
|
·
Parade Gardens, The Parade
|
Barry
|
|
·
The Knap
|
Barry
|
|
·
Barry Island
|
Barry
|
|
·
Bassett Park
|
Barry
|
|
·
Batts Field
|
Barry
|
|
·
Gladstone Park, Gladstone Gardens, Memorial Hall grounds and car
park
|
Barry
|
|
·
Hatch Quarry Play area and Little Hill Park open space off Brock
Street
|
Barry
|
|
·
Gibbonsdown Estate
|
Barry
|
|
·
Thompson Street Estate
|
Barry
|
The Scrutiny Committee subsequently
recommended
(1) T H A T the
contents of the report be noted and that the Scrutiny Committee
support the proposals outlined within the report to increase areas
in which it would become an offence to consume alcohol when asked
not to do so by a police officer under the provisions of the
Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.
(2) T H A T the matter
be referred initially to Cabinet seeking approval of the proposals
prior to its consideration by Council.
Cabinet having regard to the above and related
issues
RESOLVED - T H A T the recommendations of the
Scrutiny Committee (Housing and Public Protection) be accepted and
that the matter be referred to full Council for approval.
C382
IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT 2008-11 (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
The report sought to apprise Members of the
final version of the Improvement Agreement with the Welsh Assembly
Government. On the basis of the proposed Agreement, the
incentive grant of £1,252,165 had been paid for 2008/09. This
payment was required to be made by the WAG by 15th
March, 2009.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Improvement Agreement with the Welsh Assembly Government as
attached in Appendix 1 to the report be endorsed.
(2) T H A
T the relevant Service Plans be updated to include actions and
targets set out in the Agreement.
Reasons for decisions
(1) In
order to agree mutually beneficial targets that will secure the
incentive grant from WAG for 2008/11.
(2) In
order for regular scrutiny of progress of actions and targets to be
undertaken.
C383
COMMUNITY STRATEGY REVIEW (CX) (SCRUTINY -CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
In accordance with the Cabinet's previous
decision (Min. No. C268, 17th December, 2008
refers) the report updated Cabinet on the preparation, in
partnership with other stakeholders of a revised Community Strategy
for the Vale of Glamorgan. The current Strategy agreed in
2003 covered the period 2003-2013 and had been prepared by the
Council and the then Vale of Glamorgan Partnership. In March
2008 the WAG published new guidance for drafting Community
Strategies.
The Local Service Board was the responsible
body for developing and agreeing the above Strategy, although the
Council had the statutory lead role in its drafting.
An Editorial Group comprising representatives
of key partnerships had been established in 2008 to prepare a draft
of the new Strategy taking account of responses to recent
consultations on other key strategies. The draft Strategy
would be considered by the Local Service Board in April and would
then form the basis of wider consultations with stakeholders.
This process would include a conference to be held in the Vale of
Glamorgan on 1st May, 2009 with representation including
key partnerships, town and community councils, the voluntary
sector, Elected Members, local business sector and representatives
from Vale of Glamorgan schools.
A further range of consultations would follow
involving publicity in various forms encouraging local residents to
make their views known on the draft Strategy. The aim was to
complete the Strategy by September 2009.
This matter was for Executive decision.
Having regard to the above and related issues
it was
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the proposed actions set out in the report to review the Vale of
Glamorgan Community Strategy be endorsed.
(2) T H A
T a further report be made to Cabinet as part of the consultation
on the Draft Community Strategy.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that the Local Service Board produces and effective Strategy
which benefited local communities as well as meeting its
obligations within the terms of the Welsh Assembly Government
guidance on Community Strategies.
(2) To
ensure Members are fully informed of progress to enable them to
endorse the Strategy.
C384
EXTERNAL FUNDING (CX) (SCRUTINY - ALL ) -
Cabinet's approval was sought to submit
external funding applications to progress a range of coastal access
improvement projects in line with the Vale of Glamorgan Coastal
Access Improvement Programme for the period 2008/09 to
2011/12. In addition to these matters the report also sought
to inform the Cabinet of proposals for the utilisation of Cymorth
Grants available to the Children and Young People's Partnership and
to further notify the Cabinet of the process for the utilisation of
the Safer Communities Fund available to the Community Safety
Partnership.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the submission to the Countryside Council for Wales of
applications to support practical improvements to improve access
within the coastal area be approved.
(2) T H A
T should the capital grant applications under the Coastal Access
Improvement Programme be successful, the Capital Programme be
amended to reflect approved amount(s).
(3) T H A
T the Council continues to act as the lead body for the Cymorth
Grant available to the Children and Young People's Partnership and
the utilisation of the WAG grant circa £1,860,788 be noted.
(4) T H A
T the Children and Young People's Partnership provides Cabinet with
a six monthly progress report which includes findings from the
evaluations undertaken and the sustainability/exit strategies
contained within the contracts with providers.
(5) T H A
T the Council continues to act as the lead body for the grant
allocated by the WAG under the Safer Communities Fund and Cabinet
receives a further report on the utilisation of the fund following
the strategic assessment of need and conclusion of discussions
within the Partnership regarding the use of the grant.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
maximise external funding resources available to the Council to
meet obligations under the public rights of way.
(2) To
update the Programme to reflect any increase in Capital Funding due
to the approval of external grants.
(3) To
ensure Cabinet is aware of the continuing financial and legal
responsibilities undertaken by the Council as Grant Recipient Body
on behalf of the Children and Young People's Partnership and the
proposed utilisation of the Cymorth Grant.
(4) To
enable Cabinet to consider any sustainability/exit strategies
developed for projects funded under Cymorth and implications in
respect of funding being transferred in phases into the Revenue
Support Grant.
(5) To
inform Cabinet of the continuing responsibilities undertaken by the
Council as Grant Recipient Body on behalf of the Communities Safer
Partnership and to ensure Members were aware of how the Safer
Communities Fund grant was being utilised locally.
C385
BRIDGEND COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL (BCBC) LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2006
- 2021: PRE DEPOSIT PROPOSALS CONSULTATION (DEER) (SCRUTINY -
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The above document outlined the
Vision/objectives and preferred strategy for the LDP which
illustrated through the strategic diagram and implemented through
strategic policies.
The Vision stated 'by 2021, Bridgend County
Borough Council will be transformed to become a sustainable, safe,
healthy and inclusion network of communities comprising strong,
interdependent and connected settlements with improved quality of
life and opportunities for old people, working and relaxing in the
area'. The Vision would be delivered through the following
four strategic LDP objectives/themes derived from the Community
Strategy:
·
to produce high quality sustainable places where people want to
live
·
to protect and enhance the environment
·
to spread prosperity and opportunity through regeneration
·
to create safe, healthy and inclusive communities.
The Vision and objectives were considered to
reflect the aspirations of the Community Strategy and address the
key national, regional and local needs and issues identified in the
pre-deposit proposals document.
The terms of the preferred Strategy, BCBC
considered 5 housing growth options and 3 employment growth
options, the details of which were contained in the report.
The successful delivery of the LDP Strategy relied on the following
three elements:
·
4 strategic regeneration growth areas located in Porthcawl, Maesteg
and the upper Llynfi Valley, The Valley's Gateway and Bridgend
·
4 strategic employment sites located at Brocastle (Waterton),
Island Farm (Bridgend), Pencoed Technology Park and Ty Draw Farm
(North Connelly)
·
targeted regeneration projects in Ogmore Valley and Garw Valley,
Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Connelly and Pencoed.
The strategic diagram identified Brocastle,
Waterton as a strategic employment site and it was therefore
possible that this designation may have an impact on the Vale of
Glamorgan. The pre-deposit proposals document contained 15
strategic policies, covered varied topics including sustainability,
transport, natural and built environment, minerals, waste,
renewable energy, employment, retailing, tourism, housing,
community usages and infrastructure.
BCBC had provided stakeholders with a
questionnaire to ensure that responses to the pre-deposit proposals
consultation remained focussed. It was the Council's
intention to complete and submit the questionnaire by the
consultation closing date of 31st March, 2009. A
table summarising the Council's comments was set out in Appendix A
to the report and in the main supported BCBC's preferred Strategy,
in particular the housing requirement figure which was slightly
higher than the SEWSPG regional apportionment figure of 7500
dwellings/500 dwellings per annum. However, concerns remained
regarding the justification of the proposed Brocastle link road,
reference to strategic cycle link on the A48 and strategic policies
8 and 13 which related to waste management and affordable housing
respectively.
This matter was for Executive decision.
Having regard to the above and related issues
it was
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the comments attached in Appendix A to the report be endorsed and
included in the Council's formal response to Bridgend County
Borough Council's LDP Pre-deposit consultation.
(2) T H A
T the matter be referred to the Planning Committee for information
purposes.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
obtain Cabinet's endorsement of the response to Bridgend County
Borough Council in respect of their Local Development Plan
Pre-deposit proposals.
(2) To
ensure that the Planning Committee was informed of progress with
Bridgend's LDP.
C386
SCHOOL TRANSPORT: WAG CONSULTATION ON THE LEARNER TRAVEL
OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
-
The Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 ('the
Measure') was passed by the National Assembly for Wales in
September 2008 and subsequent Royal Assent in December 2008.
The Guidance was planned to be effective from September 2009 and
guidance had been issued under Section 15 of the Measure and was
statutory, except in respect of vehicle standards where Welsh
Ministers did not have the necessary powers to issue statutory
guidance.
The Measure aimed to achieve a consistency of
approach and application in respect of school transport provision
across Wales and the main provisions were as follows:
·
To provide from September 2009 free transport for primary school
children living two miles or further from home to the nearest
suitable school. The Vale of Glamorgan Council already
applied this more generous mileage criteria.
·
To require local authorities to specifically assess and meet the
needs of 'looked after' children.
·
To require local authorities to promote access to Welsh Medium
education.
·
To provide the means to make provision at a later date for travel
in relation to entitlement in nursery education and post 16
students.
·
To place collaboration between authorities and schools, further
education providers and environmental sustainability at the core of
planning and delivery of planning arrangements.
·
To facilitate common standards across Wales for behaviour and
discipline for those travelling to and from their place of learning
and to clarify enforcement arrangements.
·
To provide local authorities with the power to change school
session times if that could help to make transport arrangements
more effective, efficient or environmentally sustainable.
·
To enable Welsh Ministers to administer directions and statutory
guidance.
There was also reference to the requirement to
discuss school transport arrangements with the regional consortia
(SEWTA) to ensure proposals were consistent with policies set out
in the Bus Strategy. This required clarification as SEWTA did
not see school transport as part of its remit. Arrangements
should also fit with other transport responsibilities of the
authority such as the provision of socially necessary bus
services.
Also contained in the document in detail was
operational guidance on a number of requirements that need comment
and further clarification and these were summarised in the body of
the report.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T Cabinet approves the
Council's response to the WAG Consultation Document in respect of
Learner Travel Operational Guidance as detailed in Appendix A to
the report.
Reason for decision
To enable the Council to advise the WAG on
comments that may be incorporated into any subsequent updated
documents.
C387
THE LOCAL TRANSPORT ACT 2008: IMPROVING BUS SERVICES, DRAFT
OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
-
The report sought to apprise the Cabinet of
the above Guidance which set out the framework for the operation of
new measures that were now available through the Voluntary
Agreements, Voluntary Partnership Agreements, Quality Partnerships
and Quality Contract Schemes in relation to bus services.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T Cabinet approves the
Council's response to the draft Operational Guidance improving
local bus services as outlined in Appendix A to the report.
Reason for decision
To endorse the Council's response to the Welsh
Assembly Government draft Operational Guidance which was identical
to that being submitted to ATCO Cymru (Association of Transport
Co-ordinating Officers) and SEWTA (South East Wales Transport
Alliance).
C388
HOLTON ROAD, BARRY - TUESDAY WEEKLY MARKET (DEER)
(SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
Approval was sought to extend the current
Agreement with M&B Market Promotions which was due to expire on
31st March, 2009. M&B had held a licence since
1st April, 2004 and an extension to the current licence
would continue to generate income at the existing contractual
rate.
The programme of regeneration works at Barry
Town Centre had been ongoing since the Town Hall and King Square
schemes commenced in 2003. Phases I and II involving the
Holton Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme was completed in
2008. M&B had requested an extension to the contract
which would afford them the opportunity to recover business which
had been lost due to the previous regeneration works. It was
considered that due to the limited number of market operators in
existence the risk of challenge by other operators to an extension
was minimal, compared to the benefits of continuing the current
arrangements.
Subject to funding, Phase III works would
include Public Realm Improvements from the multi storey car-park to
the eastern edge of King Square. In undertaking Phase III
works this would result in the market having to move from its
existing Holton Road and King Square location. Discussions
had been held with M&B in the recent past to discuss
alternative locations but had been resisted due to the lack of
footfall.
A new re-tendered market in line with the
Phase III works was likely to result in a smaller market presence
due to the pressure on space. It was acknowledged that should
Phase III funding not be secured by the end of the new Agreement
period, then the re-tendering process would have to be repeated if
the market was to continue to be offered in Barry Town
Centre.
The Local Ward Members, Councillors C.P.J.
Elmore and Mrs. P. Drake had been consulted on the matter and their
comments were detailed in the report.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the current Agreement with M&B Market Promotions be extended
for the weekly Barry Market from 1st April, 2009 for a
15 month period to 30th June, 2010, with the income to
be received by the Council remaining unchanged.
(2) T H A
T the extension would expire in line with the current earliest
estimate of funding to be secured to enable Phase III Holton Road
Public Realm works to commence.
Reasons for decisions
(1)
Re-tendering the Agreement in the current economic climate was
unlikely to secure greater income to the Council than that current
paid in the Agreement with M&B. Further, M&B had
indicated its willingness to proceed with the proposed extension at
the existing income levels.
(2) Whilst
mindful of the probable closure or re-location of the current
market on commencing the Phase III Public Realm works in Holton
Road, the recommendations to ensure that the retail offer from the
market was not lost in Barry Town Centre, prior to Phase III
commencing.
C389
CONSERVATION AREA APPRAISALS AND MANAGEMENT PLANS (DEER) (SCRUTINY
- ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The above Appraisal and Management Plan had
set out the special architectural and historic characteristics of a
Conservation Area and was intended to provide guidance for planning
decisions and future management of the Conservation Area.
The preparation of an Appraisal and Management
Plan fulfilled the Council's statutory duties under Sections 69 and
71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act
1990 to survey its area to 'identify and review areas of special
architectural or historic interest, character and appearance of
which it was desirable to preserve or enhance' and to 'formulate
and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of any
parts of the area which were Conservation Areas'.
A review of all Conservation Areas was
necessary to ensure that their designation and boundaries remained
relevant and logical. This was particularly important as many
of the Vale's Conservation Areas, including all 21 that were
subject to this report were designated in the 1970's and until now
no formal character appraisal had been prepared for any of
these. Each document was effectively split into two sections,
Section One contained the Appraisal which recorded the analysis,
the various features that gave each Conservation Area its special
architectural and historical interests and Section Two, the
Management Plan which set out proposals and policies which could
enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Areas.
Best practice dictated that such a document
provided a firm basis for making decisions relating to the
preservation or enhancement of the Conservation Area. In
order to add further weight to these documents, it was intended to
adopt the Appraisals and Management Plans as Supplementary Planning
Guidance (SPG) through the Adopted Unitary Development Plan (1996
-2011). The adoption of these Appraisals and Management Plans
as SPG would help to guide developers and encourage best practice
throughout these Conservation Areas. The Welsh Assembly
Government advised that the SPG should be prepared in consultation
with the general public and interested parties and this be the
subject of a Council Resolution.
A summary of the findings and recommendations
in respect of each Conservation Area was set out in the
report. Details also included revised boundary maps which
could be found within each Appraisal.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T a copy of the report and the Appraisals and Management Plans be
referred to the Council's Planning Committee, Scrutiny Committee
(Economy and Environment) and the Conservation Area Advisory Group
for consultation purposes.
(2) T H A
T subject to the views of the above, the 21 Appraisals and
Management Plans be approved and formally adopted by the Council
under Section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation
Areas) Act 1990 and as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the
Adopted Unitary Development Plan (1996 - 2011).
(3) T H A
T the Appraisal and Management Plan documents be published and
distributed in all local libraries and made available for viewing
and downloading on the Council's website.
(4) T H A
T the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government and Cadw be
formally advised of the adoption of the Appraisals by the Vale of
Glamorgan Council and be provided with a boundary plan of the areas
to which each designation applies for identification and record
purposes.
(5) T H A
T an advertisement be placed in the Western Mail and the London
Gazette notifying of any variations made to the Conservation Area
boundary, with particulars of its effects.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
obtain the views of the Planning Committee, Scrutiny Committee
(Economy and Environment) and the Conservation Advisory Group on
the proposals.
(2) To
guide development proposals within and affecting the setting up of,
those Conservation Areas and to interpret, augment and clarify
Policy Env17 of the Adopted Unitary Development Plan (1996 - 2011)
as its relates to those areas.
(3) To
fulfil the Council's duty under Section 71 of the Planning (Listed
Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to formulate and publish
proposals for the preservation and the enhancement of Conservation
Areas.
(4&5) As required by Section 70 of
the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act
1990.
C390
SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE: COUNTY TREASURES (DEER) (SCRUTINY
- ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The Cabinet, at its meeting on 20th
June, 2007 (Min. No. C3071 refers) considered the preparation of a
County Treasures list which was subsequently adopted. Cabinet
had also, at its meeting on 2nd April, 2008 (Min. No.
C3473 refers) considered a Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance
which was approved for consultation with relevant stakeholders.
This report was endorsed by the Council's
Planning Committee on 17th April, 2008 with the report
also being presented to the Council's Conservation Area Advisory
Group on 19th June, 2008 where comments were received on
the content of the County Treasures Draft SPG.
This report in itself considered the results
of the public consultation referred to above and set out proposals
for the formal adoption of the Supplementary Planning
Guidance.
As a result of the consultation exercise it
was recommended that the text of the document was changed to
provide the procedure for making requests for a building to be
included. Additionally, it was further recommended that the
text of the document be changed to include an explanation that
buried archaeological sites (except where they were scheduled) and
areas are not included in the list. Some of the responses
received related to factual errors in the principal document.
The correction of these errors would be subject to a further report
to be submitted to Cabinet at a later date.
It had always been intended that the County
Treasures list would be a dynamic document and that additions and
deletions would be necessary. As part of the wider management
of the built heritage in the Vale, the Council had undertaken a
number of Conservation Area Appraisals which had identified a
number of new potential County Treasurers. The further report
to Cabinet would deal with all addendums, additions and
deletions.
All Ward Members had been consulted in
relation to the SPG and one response had been received from
Councillor A.M. Ernest and his comments were attached at Appendix C
to the report.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the draft Supplementary Planning Guidance: County Treasures be
approved and adopted.
(2) T H A
T the responses contained at Appendix A and the persons who had
responded be advised of the Council's proposed responses to the
representations be endorsed.
(3) T H A
T a further report be submitted to Cabinet detailing proposed
addendums and additions/deletions from the list as appropriate.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
allow the SPG to be considered in the determination of any planning
applications.
(2) To
ensure respondents are made aware of the Council's response to
their representation.
(3) To
ensure the list remains relevant and up to date.
C391
DRAFT SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE ON PLANNING OBLIGATIONS -
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC CONSULTATION (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
The Cabinet was apprised of the findings of
the consultation exercise carried out on the draft Planning
Obligations Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and to seek the
Cabinet's endorsement of the Planning Obligations SPG as amended
following consultation so that it may be approved for development
control purposes.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T subject to consultation
with the Planning Committee and the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment);
(1) The
findings of the public consultation exercise be noted and the
consultation responses included in the Consultation Report be
endorsed.
(2) T H A
T the Planning Obligations of SPG as set out in Appendix A to the
report as amended be approved for development control purposes
subject to the under-mentioned amendments to the table contained in
paragraph 16:
·
Delete following wording "(or less where there is high local need)"
in column headed "Residential Development Threshold".
·
Delete following wording "At least" from the column headed
"Formula".
·
Insert following footnote: "This does not prevent a flexible
approach on a case by case basis".
(3) T H A
T, Appendix B - list of officers’ names be updated.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
inform Members of the consultation responses and to seek approval
for the response to them and the proposed changes to the draft
SPG.
(2&3) To provide guidance about the
use of Planning Obligations in the Vale of Glamorgan for all
interested parties.
C392
THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDP) RESULTS OF THE
CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT PREFERRED STRATEGY AND INITIAL
SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL REPORT (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
The report sought to advise the Cabinet of the
results of the consultation on the above Plan and Appraisal since
previous reports made to the Cabinet in January and February
2008. The report also explained the next stages that would be
undertaken as part of the LDP process, given that the Preferred
Strategy remained unchanged.
Appendix A to the report contained a detailed
breakdown of the duly made responses to each question on the DPS
comment form. In summary, the DPS sought to concentrate
development opportunities in Barry and the south east zone.
It also referred to St. Athan as a key development opportunity and
supported additional development in other sustainable
settlements. The majority of representors were in agreement
with this Strategy and consequently it was proposed to continue
with the existing Strategy in the Deposit Drat Plan.
The report in itself gave a brief summary in
the main issues in relation to the following key objectives:
·
Population growth and housing
·
Vision
·
DTA St. Athan
·
Area Strategy Policy 1: Settlement Hierarchy
·
Airport and Airport Access Road
·
SA and SEA
·
Llandow Newydd.
In addition to the above assessments, there
were a number of other highly relevant factors that officers had
considered in coming to a conclusion on the issues of Llandow
Newydd. The report summarised in paragraph 16 - 22 of the
report the main issues that had been considered. The report
also considered the other Initial Sustainability Appraisal issues
and addressed the issues raised by Cabinet at its meeting held on
11th March, 2009 which sought clarification as to how
the Draft Preferred Strategy would deal with tourism and economic
development.
In terms of the next stages it was proposed
that changes to the draft Preferred Strategy contained in the
Council's responses and its report together with any new or
emerging issues would inform and feed into the Deposit Draft
Plan. It was indicated that there was no requirement to
publish a final Preferred Strategy Document and consequently it was
intended that this would not be undertaken.
A review of the LDP Delivery Agreement (DA)
had been undertaken in September 2008 and it was noted that the
Draft Preferred Strategy stage had taken longer than anticipated
mainly due to a re-assessment of the Strategy Options
Appraisals. This particularly paid close attention to the
potential benefits of Llandow Newydd. However, officers could
find no justification in light of the above and other evidence to
include Llandow Newydd Deposit Draft Plan.
It was now necessary to apply to the WAG for a
further formal amendment to the DA timetable. A separate
report on this matter would be presented to the Cabinet in the near
future. The report outlined all the work that needed to be
undertaken by officers before a Deposit Draft Plan could be
presented for approval. As part of this report Members would
be asked to approve a revised timetable which would need to be
agreed by WAG. It was also noted that the Council was already
significantly behind on progress in its LDP. It was further
noted that concerns had been expressed by officials of the WAG but
there appeared to be no technical or resource reasons for the delay
and that it may prove difficult to obtain any further extension to
the Delivery Agreement timetable.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T subject to consideration by
the Planning Committee and the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment):
(1) T H A
T the Draft Preferred Strategy be endorsed and used as a basis for
the preparation of the Deposit Draft Plan.
(2) T H A
T the response to the Draft Preferred Strategy representations be
endorsed.
(3) T H A
T the responses to the Initial Sustainability Appraisal Report
representations be endorsed.
(4) T H A
T representors are advised of the availability of the responses to
the Draft Preferred Strategy representations on the Council's
website.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
advise Members and to inform further preparation of the LDP.
(2) To
ensure that the LDP is prepared in accordance with the LDP Delivery
Agreement (October 2007) and to satisfy the requirements of the LDP
Regulations.
(3) To
ensure that the LDP is prepared in accordance with the LDP Delivery
Agreement (October 2007) and to satisfy the requirements of the
SA/SEA Regulations.
(4) To
advise representors of the Council's responses to the
representations.
C393
THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2011- 2026 - DELIVERY
AGREEMENT (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
-
The Cabinet, at its meeting on 11th
March, 2009 deferred consideration of the above matter to allow
further consideration of issues relating to the LDP.
Cabinet were apprised of the previous work
undertaken in respect of progress on the Vale of Glamorgan Local
Development Plan 2011 - 2026 (LDP) and at that time the report set
out the significant progress that had been made in preparing and
consulting upon the Draft Preferred Strategy (DPS) and the Initial
Sustainability Appraisal Report (ISA) during January and February
2008. These matters were subject to a report to this Cabinet
meeting.
In addition to the above matters an earlier
report had also highlighted issues that necessitated further
consideration by officers which were likely to have implications
for the LDP timetable contained in the DA (October 2007).
Since the last report, officers had continued to progress the
LDA. However, as a result of the issues previously identified
and a number of further issues that had resulted in additional work
for officers, progress had been limited and delays to the LDP
timetable had occurred. These issues together with a summary
of the remaining work on the LDP that needed to be undertaken by
officers on the Deposit Draft LDP was summarised as follows.
The following practise had resulted in
significant delays to the approved DA timetable and to further
development of the LDP:
·
Cabinet approval of the Draft Preferred Strategy
·
Draft Preferred Strategy and Initial Sustainability Appraisal
Report consultation
·
Consultancy services
·
Population projections.
In progressing the LDP through to a Deposit
Draft Plan, Cabinet noted that the following stages required
completion:
·
Candidate Site Assessment
·
Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA)
·
Drafting of the Deposit LDP
·
Finalising the Sustainability Appraisal Report
·
Preparation of the Initial Consultation Report
·
Preparation of consultation information and resources.
Whilst many of the above tasks could be
undertaken independently and be progressed in parallel, others were
intrinsically linked, one stage being wholly reliant on the
successful completion of an earlier element. Further, the
Deposit Draft LDP would require full Council approval prior to
public consultation and adequate time needed to be provided within
the timetable for this process.
The timetable within the approved DA allocated
approximately six months for the completion of the above stages
from the time the results of the DPS and ISA Report.
Consultations were formally reported to Cabinet. In addition,
four months slippage was incorporated into the timetable.
Projecting this timescale forward would indicate a projected
deposit date some time during the autumn of 2009 assuming no
further unforeseen delays. This was considered to be a wholly
unrealistic timeframe for the completion of the major tasks as set
out above. Accordingly, it was envisaged that the statutory
six week deposit period would commence in May/June 2010. This
revised timescale would therefore require an extension to the
Approved DA timetable of approximately 15 months.
Consequently, Cabinet was requested to approve the contents of the
report and to endorse a request to the Welsh Assembly Government
for a 15 month extension to the approved DA timetable which
effectively meant that the LDP would be on deposit in May/June 2010
rather than in January/February 2009 with an indicative adoption
date of April 2012. It was be noted that officials from the
WAG had recently written expressing concern at ongoing
delays. Officers had met with WAG officials to apprise them
of the situation and would continue to keep them informed of
progress.
Subject to the endorsement by Cabinet, the
revised DA timetable would be forwarded to the WAG to seek their
approval to the amendments and to comply with Regulation 9 of the
Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales)
Regulations 2005.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the contents of the report and the implications for the LDP
timetable be noted.
(2) T H A
T the amendments to the LDP timetable contained within the
Council's Delivery Agreement (October 2007) as proposed in the
report be approved.
(3) T H A
T agreement be sought from the Welsh Assembly Government to
formally amend the timetable within the Council's Delivery
Agreement (October 2007).
(4) T H A
T those individuals and organisations previously consulted on the
drafting of the Delivery Agreement be advised of the revisions
detailed within this report.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
advise Cabinet of progress made on the Local Development Plan.
(2) To
approve the revisions to the Council's Delivery Agreement (October
2007).
(3) To
comply with Regulation 9 of the Town and Country Planning (Local
Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2005.
(4) To
advise stakeholders and organisations previously consulted on the
Delivery Agreement of the proposed revisions to the LDP
timetable.
C394
PONT Y WERIN - DRAFT AGREEMENT (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
The Pont y Werin scheme over the River Ely
linking Penarth and Penarth Marina with the International Sports
Village in Cardiff Bay was one of the largest with an estimated
cost of £4.6millon. To date the project had secured funding
of £1.15million from the Sustrans co-ordinated National Lottery
Connect2 Big Lottery Fund, £1.3million from Cardiff Council,
£250,000 from Cardiff Harbour Authority and the Vale of Glamorgan
Council had committed £200,000. This left a projected
shortfall of £1.7million which was currently being investigated by
the projects steering group which hoped to secure support from the
Welsh Assembly Government via their Transport Grant
Programme.
In progressing Connect2 schemes it was a
requirement of the Big Lottery Funding and Sustrans that the
supporting partners agree to enter into an appropriate agreement
detailing their respective obligations. Whilst the primary
reason for the legal agreement was to ensure that the financial
liabilities of the project partners were fully addressed, the draft
Agreement also set out project management and community involvement
requirements and sought to ensure that all 70 schemes across the UK
were delivered to an agreed standard and contain a number of common
elements. In order to complete another major milestone in the
Connect2 project Sustrans was expecting all Connect 2 project
agreements to be signed in February/March 2009.
Under the current terms of the draft
Agreement, the Council would have no financial liability for the
future maintenance of the Pont Y Werin structure itself.
There could however be future maintenance liabilities associated
with elements of the bridge that fell within the existing Vale of
Glamorgan Adopted Highway. It was intended that the Draft
Agreement would only impose an obligation on this Council that it
would commit to the seeking of funding for implementation of the
Vale links to the bridge. Only if it was successful in
obtaining appropriate funding would it then be required to be
subsequently constructed and maintain a network of walking and
cycling routes within and around Penarth and Llandough that
provided direct access to the bridge.
Schedule 6 of the Draft Agreement would
illustrate the network of routes that had been included within
Penarth and Llandough. The network would be split into two
categories of route namely core routes and aspirational routes and
different obligations applied to each category the details of which
were set out in the report.
In progressing the Draft Agreement to a stage
whereby it was acceptable to the Council, officers had sought to
maintain a level of flexibility within the agreement that
acknowledged that with the exception of the agreed £200,000
contribution to the bridge, no direct capital or revenue funding
would be made available for the design and implementation of the
identified links whether core or aspirational. In this
regard, the Council would be solely reliant upon external sources
of funding such as Section 106 contributions from developments and
external grant aid for the implementation of the routes. As
these sources of funding were not guaranteed and in the current
financial climate somewhat uncertain, the Legal Agreement also
contained an ongoing commitment for the Council to develop the core
routes as identified in Appendix 2 to the report. In addition
to the above, it was also a requirement of the Draft Agreement that
local communities were involved in the development of the Pont Y
Werin project. In this regard, it was proposed that officers
engage with relevant stakeholders and community representatives to
seek their support and assistance in delivering the route network
proposals.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation in
consultation with the Director of Environmental and Economic
Regeneration and the Director of Legal, Public Protection and
Housing Services be authorised to sign the Agreement on behalf of
the Council.
(2) T H A
T the Urgency Procedure under Article 13.09 of the Council's
Constitution be utilised to implement Resolution (1) above.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that the Pont Y Werin project is progressed and
implemented.
(2) To
allow the Agreement to be signed in a timely manner.
C395
SICKNESS ABSENCE REPORT - YEAR TO DATE 1ST APRIL, 2008 -
31ST JANUARY, 2009 (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE
RESOURCES) -
Cabinet was apprised of progress of the
Sickness Absence Management Action Plan and to provide sickness
information for the above period across the Directorates of the
Council.
Progress against the Action Plan remained good
with the details set out in Appendix A of the report.
Communication work had been ongoing in order
to maintain the high profile of the attendance drive.
Paperwork relating to the Management of Attendance had been
streamlined with guidance on its usage produced, plus a guide to
the Management of Attendance policy. This information was now
available via StaffNet and had been distributed via the Core Brief
to all staff and by Team Managers in team meetings.
Workshop sessions on the new Policy had now
been completed and had been attended by 274 Managers. The
first two full day sessions on managing attendance for new Managers
had been held successfully by the training team with further
sessions scheduled on a monthly basis.
Management of Attendance meetings involving
Cabinet Members and relevant officers commenced during
February. Meetings aimed to review performance against
targets and discuss individual absences, reviewing actions to be
taken. These meetings had proved beneficial in terms of
focusing attention of reducing absence and highlighting issues
specific to each Service Area. Issues identified along with
potential solutions were now being collated for action over the
coming months. Feedback regarding the format of meetings
themselves had been taken into account as the cycle of meetings had
progressed.
The Occupational Health provision was
currently under review, commencing with a survey of those staff who
had consulted Occupational Health and a second for Managers who had
referred members of staff to the Department. Results from the
survey of services users was currently being analysed with initial
indications being that feedback was broadly positive. The
survey for Managers had recently been sent out.
The process of target setting for 2009/10 had
commenced. Absence figures against 2008/09 targets for this
authority excluding schools were set out below:
|
|
TARGET
|
April 08 - Jan 09
|
April - Dec 08
|
April - Nov 08
|
April - Sept 08
|
|
Average lost days/shifts per FTE
|
14.33
|
10.42
|
9.47
|
8.96
|
6.54
|
|
Percentage of Lost Time (%)
|
-
|
5.0
|
5.0
|
5.2
|
5.1
|
|
Total days/shifts
|
-
|
22706
|
20793
|
19681
|
15394
|
Also set out for Cabinet's consideration was
detailed information for Directorates/Service/Teams which was
detailed in Appendix B to the report. This contained Sickness
Performance Indicators which set out targets and absences from
April to January with a breakdown of long and short term
sicknesses.
It was noted that corporate figures were well
within Service Plan targets and showed reductions in percentage of
lost time despite an expectation that short term sickness absence
would be greater during winter months.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the report be noted.
(2) T H A
T future reports to Cabinet contain for comparative purposes, the
FTE and head count figures including total numbers of staff in
service sections regardless of hours worked.
Reasons for decisions
(1) In
acknowledgement of progress made to date.
(2) To
allow Cabinet to receive comparative data.
C396
VALE CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICES - FUNDING (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Approval was sought on the award of further
funding to the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T grant funding to the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services in the
sum of £88,000 per annum, payable annually in advance, for three
years commencing 1st April, 2009 be approved.
(2) T H A
T a Deed of Grant for three years from 1st April, 2009
be entered into with the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services.
Reasons for decisions
(1&2) To formulise funding
arrangements with the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services.
C397
THE ENVIRONMENT ACT 1995 - THE AIR QUALITY (WALES) REGULATIONS 2000
AS AMENDED LOCAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (DLPPHS) (SCRUTINY -
HOUSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION) -
The Air Quality Review and Assessment Round 3
Progress Report 2008 had been prepared to report on the results of
the Review and Assessment of Air Quality within the Vale of
Glamorgan generally and to explain the high number of exceedances
(144) of the one hour mean (220µg/m3 not to be exceeded more than
18 times were annum) at the NO2 continuous monitoring
site on Windsor Road, Penarth during 2006.
The general findings of the Review and
Assessment were:
·
It was unlikely that the objectives for the key pollutants i.e.
Carbon Monoxide, Benzene, 1.3 butadiene, Lead, Nitrogen Dioxide
(NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulates
(PM10) would or will be exceeded. Notwithstanding this, it
was recommended that monitoring for NO2, SO2
and PM10 be continued at the current sites.
·
A detailed Air Quality Assessment in respect of NO2 for
the roads leading to and from the Merrie Harrier and Barons Court
junctions, Penarth should be undertaken.
Although not one of the key pollutants, Ozone
(O3) concentrations were also reported and due to its
potential impact on human health it continued to be
monitored. The results showed increasing levels year on year
and hence it was recommended that monitoring be continued.
The high number of exceedances of the one hour
mean of NO2 during 2006 was peer reviewed and it was
considered not representative of the ambient levels of
NO2 in that area. Hence, it is recommended that
those results be discarded and removed from the Welsh Air Quality
Forum (WAQF) database.
An initial draft of the Progress Report had
been submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government who had
subsequently recommended further amendments which had been
implemented. These recommendations were:
·
to undertake a detailed assessment in respect of NO2 for
the roads leading into and from the Merrie Harrier and Barons Court
junction
·
to include a location map of the monitoring locations at a large
enough scale to identify the relevant receptors
·
to replace Round 2 - Progress Report 2008 with Round 3 - Progress
Report 2008 before it was made public
·
to represent comparative PM10 data between Narbeth, Cardiff and the
Vale in a graph format.
A detailed assessment in respect of
NO2 for the roads leading to and from the Merrie Harrier
and Barons Court junction had been carried out by AEA Technology
Limited. The scenarios modelled included the years 2007 as a
baseline and 2010 when the development on the Cardiff side
(International Sport Village) was predicted to be completed.
A further scenario for the year 2012 when the Penarth Heights
Development was expected to be completed was also considered.
The model was calibrated against diffusion tube results (annual
means). The report was entitled 'Air Quality Review and
Assessment - Detailed Assessment'. A copy of this report was
available on the Council's website and in the Members'
Rooms.
The findings of the Detailed Assessment
were:
·
Overall the Detailed Assessment results showed that there would be
no exceedances of NO2 annual mean (40µg/m3) at any
location except at the Barons Court junction in any of those years
and then only along the middle of Windsor Road Penarth where there
was no relevant exposure.
·
No exceedances were predicted at the receptors on Windsor Road.
·
Based on the outcome of the Detailed Assessment there was no
requirement to declare an Air Quality Management Area in respect of
NO2 in that area of Penarth.
All Elected Members were consulted on the
contents of the report on 2nd February, 2009.
Details of the outcome of these consultations including
consultation with statutory consultees were set out in Appendix 2
and 3 of the report.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Air Quality Review and Assessment be approved.
(2) T H A
T an Executive Summary of these reports be developed and made
available on the Council's internet site.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that the Cabinet and Elected Members were apprised of work
carried out in relation to air quality and comply with legislative
requirements.
(2) To
summarise technical information provided in the reports into one
concise and easily accessible document.
C398
MATTER WHICH THE CHAIRMAN HAD DECIDED WAS URGENT -
RESOLVED - T H A T the following matter which
the Chairman had decided was urgent for the reason indicated be
considered.
C399
TRANSFORMATION 14 - 19 (DLD) (SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING)
-
(Urgent by reason of the need to
comply with the Welsh Assembly Government's consultation deadline
of 31st March, 2009)
The WAG had set a challenge for local
authorities, colleges and other post 16 education providers to
develop proposals to 'transform 14 - 19 education
provision'.
The expectation was that there would be a
restructuring of service provision for pupils and students aged 14
- 19. The initiative was being driven by a desire to extend
and promote accredited vocational learning opportunities to be
delivered on the basis of parity with more traditional academic
qualifications.
The above initiative had been developed and
progressed in Wales over the last four years with progress being
made in a number of areas, but in others a lack of collaboration
and resistance to change had hampered developments. This had
been a particular issue in some local authorities where secondary
schools were comparatively small, offered limited choice of post 16
provisions, or had not been in a position to establish effective
arrangements for collaboration with other providers.
In terms of the Vale of Glamorgan Schools
6th form provision had traditionally provided a good
range of subject options from comparatively large 6th
form. In recent years, a 14 - 19 learning network had been
established including schools, Barry College and other service
providers. This collaboration had been recognised nationally
and had enabled the range of new vocational pathways to be
developed and delivered. As part of this work, the network
developed an outline proposal for a Learning Centre to meet some of
the additional vocational learning needs and to deliver minority A
Level subjects. This proposal was supported in principle by
the WAG, subject to a more detailed evaluation of the Business
Case.
The Business Case had been developed and
evaluated in circumstances where the funding available for post 16
education had been reduced below anticipated requirements.
Additional revenue consequences were estimated at £600,000 to
£800,000 per annum. Given the current levels of grant
provided to the Council to support education and other services,
the financial challenges facing the Education Service and Schools,
neither the Council nor its schools were in a position to meet the
additional costs. This was a conclusion which had been
confirmed following consultation with schools.
As a parallel development, Barry College had
submitted a 'transformation' proposal to merge with Coleg Glan
Hafren in Cardiff. At this point an initial submission had
been made, reflecting elements of the Webb Review into Further
Education in Wales and the fact that Barry College currently
operated in Cardiff with more than 3000 Cardiff residents involved
as students of the college. Any proposals would need to be
subject to formal consultation. The view of the schools was
that this development had the potential to offer further specialist
vocational training opportunities for Vale of Glamorgan
pupils.
However, the excellent collaborative work, the
progress of which had been achieved between Vale Schools and Barry
College and a need for continuing local provision appropriate to
the needs of Vale of Glamorgan pupils and students, must be secured
in any merger consideration. If these elements were secured
and the college aspiration to relocate within Barry is achieved,
the potential for a Learning Centre development as part of the
change would need to be re-visited. A draft transformation
response was considered by the Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong
Learning) at its meeting held on 16th March, 2009 with
the Committee concluding the following:
·
That the response should build upon the opportunity to improve
further the collaboration between Secondary Schools in the Vale of
Glamorgan, with Barry College and other providers.
·
That the Learning Centre option should not be included at this
stage.
·
That as proposals for the merger of Barry College are developed,
details of the arrangements be submitted to Cabinet and the
Scrutiny Committee for consideration as part of the consultation
process and in order to secure appropriate local provision to meet
the needs of learners within the Vale of Glamorgan.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the Cabinet approves the
Council's draft response as set out in Appendix A to the report to
the Welsh Assembly Government's proposals for 14 - 19
Transformations subject to the inclusion by the Director of
Learning and Development of a more specific reference to ICT in
schools.
Reason for decision
To comply with the WAG consultation
deadline.
C400
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 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act, the
relevant paragraphs of the Schedule being referred to in brackets
after the minute heading.
C401
HIGHWAYMAINTENANCE CONTRACTS (DEER) (SCRUTINY -
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPHS 12, 13
and 14) -
Approval was sought to extend the existing
two-man gang contract and three-man gang contract in accordance
with current contractual arrangements. The above contracts
were awarded following a competitive tendering process undertaken
in accordance with the Council's Procurement Procedures 2008/09 for
an initial period of one year with the option to extend up to a
further two years on an annual basis.
The contracts were initially valued at
£130,000 and £215,000 for the year 2008/09, however the outturn
value of the three-man contract would be in the region of £300,000
mainly due to unforeseen additional works completed at the Merrie
Harrier Junction Improvement Scheme. The current contracts
were procured to Calibre Contracting Limited and J. Wallaby
Limited.
This matter was for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the option to extend the contract for next year 2009/2010 in
accordance with the existing contract conditions be approved with
it being noted that this was the second year of the contract with
one further option to extend the existing contract for the
remaining one year period late into the financial year
2010/2011.
(2) T H A
T Cabinet approves the outturn value of the three-man gang contract
in the sum of circa £300,000.
Reason for decision
(1) To
allow the extension of contracts in accordance with the contract
documentation.
(2) To
authorise contract expenditure above the original contract
value.