CABINET
Minutes of a meeting held on 2nd
November, 2011.
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.
C1486
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 19th October, 2011 be approved as a correct
record.
C1487
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
No declarations were received.
C1488
CORPORATE PARENTING PANEL -
The following report of a meeting held on
20th July, 2011 was submitted:
Present:Councillor Dorothy Turner
(Chairman), Councillor Anthony Hampton (left at 4.50pm), Councillor
Sally Bagstaff, Councillor Val Hartrey, Councillor Sophie
Williams, Councillor Janice Birch; Gareth Jenkins (Head of
Children & Young People Services), Jenny Smith
(Specialist Teacher – LAC), Catherine Hanlon-Vanstone (Minute
Taker)
Presenters– Mr
Gareth Jacobs – NYAS – Service Manager
Ms Lesa Pates – NYAS – Senior Advocate
Apologies:Bryan
Jeffreys (Director of Learning and Development); Phil Evans
(Directors of Social and Care Services) ; Caroline Rees (Head of
Service – Additional Learning Needs.) Councillor Katherine
Kemp.
Cllr Hampton had to leave the meeting at
4.50pm to Chair another meeting.
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Actions
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(1) Apologies for
absence
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Apologies were received from Bryan
Jeffreys (Director of Learning and Development); Phil Evans
(Director of Social Services); Caroline Rees (Head of Additional
Learning Needs.)
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(2) Minutes of Meeting – 18 May
2011
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The minutes of the last meeting were
agreed as a true record and were signed by the Chairman Cllr
DT.
Matters Arising:
Training, Education and Work
Opportunities for Looked After Children and Care
Leavers– DT has written to the CX and has
received a response to the Panel indicating that the issue will be
raised at CMT on 20 July 2011 and the Chief Executive will then
write again to advise further.
Guest D attendance at future
Panels - JS confirmed that she has spoken
to Guest D regarding attendance and Guest D has confirmed that she
is keen to continue her attendance at the Panel Meetings. JS
also has another LAC who has shown interest in joining the
Panel.
>JS to confirm arrangements
with the second LAC representative for September.
Higher Education Bursaries
(HEB)– Panel discussed problems surrounding the
HEB, with the implications that this will have on the budget.
JS outlined that the Council currently have at 2 LAC attending
University which is excellent but some consideration needs to be
given to funding.
Ø
HEB to be put on Agenda for next
meeting.
Ø
GJ/JS to present a Paper to Panel on this issue at the
next meeting.
Ø
Families First Report and LAC Exclusions – both items
to be put on Agenda for next meeting for consideration by the
Panel.
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Agreed
Panel
Noted
JS
MP
GJ/JS
MP
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(3) To receive declarations of
Interest
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No declarations were received.
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Agreed
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(4) Presentation – National Youth
Advocacy Service - NYAS
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DT welcomed Gareth Jacobs and LP from NYAS
and introduced the Panel Members. Panel members were all
issued with a copy of the NYAS Information Pack - (Master Copy
available for viewing from Cabinet Office).
Gareth Jacobs indicated that the focal
point of the presentation would be a Service Outline with the
opportunity for the Panel to ask any questions they may have.
Some of the key issues referred to within Gareth Jacob’s
presentation are as follows;
Ø NYAS was
established in 1979 by a group of Social Workers in Liverpool with
the key aim of listening to children and young people who feel that
their voices are not being heard.
Ø It is a
statutory duty for every Local Authority to provide advocacy
services and that Advocacy was about empowering young
people.
Ø For those
who approach NYAS who may not be eligible for their services they
still work with the applicant in order to signpost them to the
relevant person/agency who can help.
Ø Gareth
presented some results from a recent qualitative study that NYAS
have carried out with LAC which yielded very interesting
data.
DT queried whether we have similar study
information that can be reported, like the data presented by
NYAS.
GJ confirmed that we are able to report on
some features. The LA has a rolling programme of consultation
concerned with broad themes but there has historically been a poor
response rate. This could be the result of the method of
sourcing the information. It was also recognised that there
can be a problem engaging children in work when the Local Authority
is leading it - NYAS are an independent organisation and
young people are often more willing to discuss their thoughts and
feelings with an independent person.
JS indicated that the PEP’s also provide
an insight into some of the areas.
Discussion among the Panel regarding how
the LA could source information on very basic questions to LAC, for
example ‘Are you hungry’ (as some of the responses on the NYAS
study worryingly indicated that some children reported feeling
hungry as their personal experience of being looked
after.) It was suggested that there is the
potential that the Council could commission NYAS for specific
consultation to capture information – NYAS confirmed that they
would be very willing to work with the Authority to capture such
data if requested.
JS also suggested that School Councils
could be used as a mechanism to try and encourage engagement of
young people in such studies.
GJ confirmed that he was pleased that the
Council have now reached the position in which the contract has
been awarded to NYAS and highlighted the role that each Panel
member plays in ensuring universal access to these services,
including in their role as local Councillors.
DT highlighted that as a result of the
work of the Panel and all involved the Vale of Glamorgan Council
now has a sound awareness of the issues that affect Looked After
Children, and the work is supported across the Council, and by all
Councillors.
GJ enquired if NYAS are in a position for
the Local Authority to have some of their leaflets which have been
published for different age groups on their service. NYAS
confirmed that the packs are currently being prepared with the
intention that they will be hand delivered for Social Workers to
then have an input in disseminating them to LAC.
Gareth Jacobs provided the Panel with some
case study examples of Advocacy work that NYAS have been involved
in. He explained that in some cases children may
ask for something that they are unable to have, e.g. something that
may be harmful to them, or may make unreasonable requests. In
these cases NYAS can then assist by acting as independent advisors
to the young people.
Gareth Jacobs stressed that Article 10 of
the UN Convention states that all young people have the right to be
heard but this cannot mean that they can always get what they
want.
Gareth Jacobs introduced Lesa Pate whose
role is that of a visiting advocate. LP outlined that she had
her first visit to Wentworth Place on 19 July 2011 during which she
met with LAC’s there and was able to explain her role and the
services available. She outlined that as a result of this
meeting she has been invited to WH’s Young Person’s Team Meeting
which she plans to attend.
She outlined that he role is to extract
information from children in residential homes, regarding their
experiences, happiness, care etc.. and to relay this information
back to the Local Authority.
DT thanked NYAS for their presentation and
their attendance and intimated that she hoped they would return to
a future CPP Meeting to update the Panel.
NYAS left a copy of the Information Pack
to go on the CPP file.
> CHV to file pack for
information.
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(6) Update on the Forward Work
Programme – Gareth Jenkins
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GJ circulated the new Cabinet Forward Work
programme for the Panel to take away to consider. GJ
stressed that all completed items have now been removed from the
Plan and that Higher Education is to be added as an action for the
FWP.
> GJ to add HE to the
FWP.
The group discussed the Forward
Work Programme and GJ provided updates as follows:-
Items 1 - 3– all
have been brought forward from the last FWP with an update in the
Progress Column for each item.
Item 4 ( Maintain and Improve
Engagement, Involvement & Participation) – GJ
indicated the first action has been completed given the update
provided earlier in the meeting by JS in that Guest D would like to
remain on the Panel and an extra representative has been
approached.
GJ also highlighted that he has included
the Awards Evening within the FWP as it is important to recognise
this work.
Ø
Cllr VH to enquire as to Charlotte Church’s
availability to attend the Awards Evening.
Ø JS
to email details of the Event to Cllr VH.
Item 5 (Health of LAC and Young
People)–
DT circulated letter to all Panel Members
from Cardiff and Vale UHB regarding Health and LAC
Provision. DT outlined that the letter states
that in order to provide an equitable level of service between the
Vale and Cardiff there is to be a loss of service for the Vale in
order to minimise the gap.
Cllr DT expressed her extreme
disappointment at the contents of the letter and the outcome and
advised that Panel that she intends to discuss the issue with the
Chair of the LHB at her next meeting.
Ø
Cllr DT to speak with Chair LHB regarding Health
Provision for LAC.
JS intimated that to lose the service of
specialist nurses after 10 years is very sad.
DT suggested that a response to the letter
be drafted from the CPP that she will sign as Chair.
Dental Care provision for LAC should also be raised as an issue
within the letter.
Ø GJ
to draft a response for the Chair to send
Cllr SW enquired whether leisure passes
provided to foster families are for the whole of the foster family
or just for the Looked After Child?
GJ indicated that he is still awaiting
confirmation on this point. He has also queried whether
all LAC receive leisure passes or just those of
Secondary School age.
All Panel agreed that the passes should be
for the whole foster family in order to promote cohesion and unity
within the family so as to not single out the LAC.
> GJ to make some enquiries
with Leisure Services and will report back to the Panel at a later
date.
Item 6 (Education, Training or
Employment)– GJ outlined that this item has been
left on the Programme. Panel hopefully will have a report for
the next meeting regarding CMT Support for Care
Leavers.
DT suggested that there may be an
opportunity with the new development at the Waterfront for work
experience placements to be worked into agreement – suggestion of
potential for S106 for Educational Purposes.
> Cllr DT to informally discuss
how to progress options for work placements for LAC with the
Leader.
Action will also be added to the FWP under
this heading regarding LAC and Higher Education.
> GJ to update FWP to reflect
this.
> HE to be scheduled on Agenda
for next meeting.
> GJ to circulate papers with
the Agenda for next meeting.
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GJ
Cllr
VH
JS
Cllr
DT
GJ
Panel
Agreed
GJ
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(7) Awards Ceremony 2011 – Jenny
Smith
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JS updated Panel on arrangements for
Awards Ceremony.
JS has now been in touch with
Rotarians and has been informed that there is a Rotary Scheme which
LAC may be interested in getting involved, known as The Rotary
Young Leaders Awards (RYLA) as part of which young people are able
to go away to carry out activities.
Cllr DT confirmed that she is happy to
meet with the Rotarians with JS if desired.
Ø
Cllr VH to contact Charlotte Church to enquiry as to
availability for the Awards Ceremony.
JS stressed that there is also the
potential for the date of the Awards Ceremony to be altered to suit
Charlotte Church’s availability as the date has not yet been
publically circulated.
Ø JS
to send CYPP report to VH to send with the letter for background on
the Panel.
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Cllr
VH
JS
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(8) Future Meeting
Dates
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Ø
Cllr DT to circulate proposed dates for future meetings
to all Panel Members.
Ø SW
indicated that if the meetings have to be scheduled on Wednesdays
then she is unable to meet until 5.30 onwards.
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Cllr
DT
Cllr
SW
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(9) AOB
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A copy of the WLGA News Release was
circulated to all Panel Members.
GJ outlined that there is nothing
contained within that the Panel has not already considered.
GJ congratulated Panel members on the work undertaken to
date.
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Next Meeting
Date
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To be confirmed.
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- - - - - - - - - -
RESOLVED - T H A T the report be noted.
Reason for decision
To have regard to the views of the Panel.
C1489
GLAMORGAN HERITAGE COAST -
The following report of a meeting held on
13th October, 2011 was submitted:
Present: Councillors
R.F. Curtis, J.F. Fraser, E. Hacker, Mrs. V.M. Hartrey, Mrs. A.J.
Preston, R.P. Thomas; Mr. R. McLaggan (Merthyr Mawr
Estates), Councillor G. Davies (Bridgend County Borough Council),
Mr. S. Hand (Countryside Council for Wales), Mr. B. Acott (Friends
of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast), Mrs. H. March, Mr. G. Guy
(Operational Manager, Vale of Glamorgan) and Mr. P.
Dunn (Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre),
(a)
Appointment of Chairman -
AGREED - T H A T Councillor Mrs. A.J.
Preston be appointed Chairman for the current municipal
year.
(b)
Appointment of Vice-Chairman -
AGREED - T H A T Councillor Mrs. V.M.
Hartrey be appointed Vice-Chairman for the current municipal
year.
(c) Apologies for
Absence -
These were received from Councillors J.
Clifford, A.M. Ernest (Vale of Glamorgan Council) and Ms. S.
Mabberley (Countryside Council for Wales).
(d)
Minutes -
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the
meeting held on 12th April, 2011 be accepted.
(e)
Announcement -
The Chairman on behalf of the Committee
thanked Mr. Peter Davies of Slade Farm for providing the Group with
the opportunity to undertake a tractor ride on the farm prior to
the meeting. The visit had been an interesting and
informative experience and Members were advised that each year
similar visits were also arranged for the public.
(f)
Achievements and Issues at the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Centre-
The Principal Ranger, Paul Dunn, provided
the Group with a powerpoint presentation detailing the work of the
team since the meeting in April 2011. The presentation showed
pictures of the Heritage Coast taken over the previous months
advising that it had been a particularly mixed year with visitor
numbers not being as high as in previous years apart from the
Easter break and two weeks in October when the whole of the country
experienced significantly high temperatures. However, school
visits to the Centre and the coast remained consistent and even
though charging for such visits had been agreed over the last two
years schools were still regularly visiting the coast. The
team also continued to visit schools and assist in biodiversity
work and maintenance issues. The local farm owner, Mr. Peter
Davies, had provided enormous benefits to the Heritage Coast with
the biodiversity improvements that he had made on his farm.
Although the Centre had been without an estate worker for four
months the team had managed to maintain the gardens and the Estate
as best as they could. A number of local companies had also
assisted with offering services to clean up the coast with a
significant number of their staff being involved.
However, the group was informed that the
support the Centre usually received from students at Atlantic
College, for the clean up regimes, was no longer available due to
the withdrawal of Welsh Government funding to the College for this
area of work. Although the farm open day at Slade Farm due to
adverse weather conditions had seen visitor numbers reduce all who
had attended had been most impressed with the work being
undertaken.
“Visit Wales” was intending to highlight
three places in their Wales Coast Path promotional campaign, one
being the Heritage Coast and to this end had donated a bench which
could be clearly seen on the top of Dunraven Road in commencement
of their advertising campaign. During the presentation other
photographs demonstrated the variety of wildlife to be found in the
area, together with photographs showing some activities by the
Friends of the Heritage Coast.
Following the presentation it was
AGREED - T H A T Mr. Dunn be thanked for
the informative update and for arranging the visit to Slade Farm
with Mr. Davies.
(g)
Update on Current Issues-
Mr. Bob Guy, Operational Manager -
Countryside and Economic Projects, provided a verbal update for the
Committee on current issues within the Vale of Glamorgan as
below:
·
It was the intention that the coastal path would be launched in
Wales on 5th May 2012 some legal issues were being
discussed i.e. public access etc. in relation to the Vale of
Glamorgan but he was optimistic that these matters would be
resolved in the very near future.
·
The contract for the Cwm Mawr scheme which had been designed to
improve access to the steps could not be confirmed until the
creation of a public right of way had taken place.
·
The proposed improvements behind the lifeguard building in
Llantwit Major had been shelved due to insufficient funds this
year.
·
Signage issues were being progressed and the Department was
currently mapping signage across the whole coastal path. The
path had been a challenge for most of Wales due to the short lead
in timescale that had been devised by the Welsh
Government.
·
Creative Rural Communities were involved in a number of
projects and one of the issues a future Steering Group would be
looking at would be the issue of branding and interpretation of the
Heritage Coast as a whole. Some research had been completed
on public perceptions, and Mr. Guy would be working with members of
the Rural Partnership to progress the project
shortly.
In considering the report Members urged
officers to ensure that a sign for the Heritage Coast be considered
on the M4 and that the Heritage Coast be appropriately branded in
order to provide further marketing opportunities. Working
closely with Bridgend County Borough Council could also be a major
step forward and that they be considered to be included in
discussions / consultations in developing the Creative Rural
Communities project.
Having considered the report, it
was
AGREED - T H A T the Creative Rural
Communities team provide a presentation on current projects to the
Advisory Group at its next meeting.
(h)
Matters Raised by Bridgend County Borough Council -
Councillor G. Davies advised that in
Porthcawl Bridgend County Borough Council had set up a Trecco Bay
Management Group which was looking at all access requirements
within the area. He suggested that a representative from the
Glamorgan Heritage Coast Advisory Group could be invited to sit on
the Trecco Bay Management Group and that he would arrange for an
invitation to be extended in due course. He also concurred
that both Councils needed to consider further ways of enhancing
tourism within the area and welcomed the suggestion that further
discussions be undertaken.
(i) Matters
Raised by the Countryside Council for Wales -
Mr. Scott Hand advised that two new SSI
sites had been formally designated, namely Lark Meadow and Craig
Penllyn. He also took the opportunity to thank Paul Dunn, his
staff and managers from the Vale, for all the work that had been
undertaken at Craig Penllyn.
At the previous meeting of the group
reference had been made to the proposed new single environment
body, but that to date this had not formally been confirmed,
however, a decision was hoped from the Minister in November 2011
which would be followed by public consultation and a new regime of
legislation. It was envisaged that the shadow organisation
could be formed in the Summer of 2012 with a view to amalgamating
in 2013.
Mr. R. McLaggan stressed the importance
that all organisations worked together to ensure the best possible
access and initiatives were undertaken for the Heritage
Coast.
(j) Matters
Raised by the Friends of Glamorgan Heritage Coast -
The new Chairman of the Friends of
Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Mr. Acott, was welcomed to the meeting.
He stated that he looked forward to working with the Group and if
he could be of assistance in anyway to let him know.
Mrs. Heather March raised an issue in
relation to a path from Mill Road at Boverton to the Sea Watch
Centre. The Friends of the Heritage Coast and Llantwit Major
Town Council had discussed making a bid to the Creative Rural
Communities footpaths grant fund to create a new right of way and
improve the route. The Operational Manager advised that the
Friends of the Heritage Coast needed to demonstrate that the
footpath had broad community support but that it could be a good
scheme for the grant, subject to seeing the details.
It was noted that several groups
currently regularly use the path, including ramblers, and have done
for many years. Mr. Guy suggested that a claim could
therefore be made to the Council’s Rights of Way Group that a
public right of way already exists. This would not
necessarily be the easiest or quickest way forward and a discussion
with Mark Cottray at Creative Rural Communities was advised in
respect of the grant route.
However, he took the opportunity to advise
the Friends that if any landowner asked for compensation this could
not be paid out of any grants received and that other avenues would
have to be explored.
(l) Date of
Next Meeting -
AGREED - T H A T the next meeting of the
group be arranged in April 2012, to include a Creative Rural
Communities presentation, a full update on the progress on the
Wales Coastal Path and a visit on the Coastal Path to be undertaken
prior to or after the meeting.
- - - - - - - - - -
RESOLVED - T H A T the report be noted.
Reason for decision
To have regard to the views of the Advisory
Group.
C1490
IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2011/12 (REF) (MINUTE NO. 483) -
The Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee
had, on 5th October, 2011 endorsed the Improvement Plan
2011/12 and requested Cabinet to give further consideration to the
provision of cycle routes (specifically Barry via Dinas Powys to
Cardiff Bay) in the Regeneration Section of the Corporate Plan.
RESOLVED - T H A T the recommendation of the
Committee be noted.
Reason for decision
The matter was already being considered.
C1491
PURCHASE OF TIMBER AND WOOD PRODUCTS (REF) (MINUTE NO. 519)
-
The Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources)
had, on 11th October, 2011 considered a request from
Councillor R.F. Curtis in relation to, inter alia, signing up to
the WWF Cymru’s pledge to help stop the trade in illegal and
unsustainable timber. The Committee had been informed that
the Sustainability Working Group had recently discussed the issues
raised by Councillor Curtis and had concluded that a pledge
at Bronze level would be consistent with the work already being
undertaken by the Council. The Committee had consequently
asked Cabinet to consider signing up to the WWF Bronze Pledge to
stop the trade in illegal and unsustainable timber.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED – THAT the recommendation from the
Scrutiny Committee be noted and that Cabinet receive a report on
the issue to assist in the further consideration of the same.
Reason for decision
To receive further information in relation to
any submission to the WWF pledge scheme.
C1492
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF EXTRACTION AND BURNING OF SHALE GAS (REF)
(MINUTE NO. 525) -
An extraordinary meeting of the Scrutiny
Committee (Economy and Environment) had been held on
17th October, 2011 to consider evidence for and against
shale gas extraction. At that meeting, the Head of Planning
and Transportation referred to the report submitted to Committee on
6th September which had highlighted, inter alia, that
concerns had been raised throughout the world about possible health
risks and, more recently, potential links with earth tremors in
parts of north England.
Members had been informed of a report by the
Energy Select Committee of MPs in June 2011 which had found no
evidence that the hydraulic fracturing process involved in shale
gas extraction posed a direct risk to underground water
aquifers. Members were also informed that the Welsh
Government had provided no technical advice in respect of the same
to date. The Leader of the Council had written to the First
Minister to request that consideration be given as to whether any
applications relating to test drilling and fracking should be
matters for the Welsh Government to determine. The Scrutiny
Committee had also sent a letter to Assembly Members, MPs, Welsh
Government, the Local Government Association and the remaining
Welsh Councils requesting guidance on the matter. Prior to
the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, the film 'Gasland' had been
shown and, following a request from Mr. G. Williams of Coastal Oil
and Gas Limited, the e-mail from the Health and Safety Executive
and the document referred to in the minute were circulated. A
four minute website link was also shown.
The Committee had then received
representations from the following witnesses:
·
Mr. G. Williams - Coastal Oil and Gas Limited
·
Mr. D. Henderson - Environmental Policy Manager, Dwr Cymru
·
Mr. J. Harrison - Environment Agency
·
Ms. L. Evans - 'Vale Says No'
·
Professor Joseph Cartwright - Cardiff University
·
Dr. C.A. Pearce - Cowbridge and Llanblethian Residents Group
·
Mr. R. Simpson - Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales
·
Mr. D. Campbell - Journalist, UK Progressive Magazine
·
Mr. M. Wallis, Friends of the Earth
·
Mr. I. Benjuja - Anderson Associates.
A question and answer session then
ensued. Following the question and answer session, Members of
the Scrutiny Committee again referred to public concerns and
expressed the view that, inter alia, government guidance on the
matter was required in view of the potential
implications.
The Scrutiny Committee recommended firstly
that a letter should be sent to Westminster, to the Welsh
Government and to the WLGA to support calls for a moratorium on
shale gas extraction until public concerns were allayed on the
issue. Secondly, the Scrutiny Committee also referred the
aforementioned recommendation to Cabinet with the request that
Cabinet support the call for a moratorium.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T recommendation (1) of the Scrutiny Committee be noted.
(2) T H A
T the call for a moratorium be supported until such time as there
was clear policy guidance from the Welsh Government in respect of
shale gas extraction.
(3) T H A
T the Welsh Government be called upon to provide such guidance
without delay.
Reasons for decisions
(1&2) To have regard to the
recommendations put forward.
(3) To
allay public concerns and uncertainty in this matter.
C1493
HINKLEY POINT POWER STATION - CIVIL PROTECTION ARRANGEMENTS (L)
(SCRUTINY - HOUSING AND PUBLIC PROTECTION) -
In response to a request, the Leader had
indicated at the Council meeting in July, 2011 that a report in
respect of the above would be submitted to Cabinet.
Members were notified that a review of all
nuclear sites within the U.K. was being undertaken which could
result in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Office of
Nuclear Regulation (ONR) updating current guidance relating to
off-site plans. The risks associated with nuclear power
stations were being considered both nationally and
internationally. In order to address the regional risk
Somerset Local Authorities Civil Contingencies Unit produces an
off-site plan for Hinckley Point A and B Nuclear Licence Sites
which referenced Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) set at 3.5
km with extended release Scenario up to 15km.
The HSE and the ONR produced advice on the
DEPZ and also considered the extendibility zone. This Council
would be informed through the Welsh Government which would in turn
be informed by the Department for Communities and Local Government
Resilience. Members noted that the Council had a well
established generic Emergency Response procedure for responding to
emergencies and incidents that affected residents and communities
within the Vale. The strategic response was led by the Chief
Executive and the Corporate Management Team. The Civil
Protection Unit led the tactical response which included an
Emergency Control Room with relevant services area staff and
liaison with C1V to ensure resources and communications were
consistent. Public information messages would be co-ordinated
at the Strategic (Gold) and the Council's Corporate Communication
Team would use all methods available to inform the public as set
down in the Crisis Media Communication Plan.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the arrangements currently
in place be noted and the report referred to the Scrutiny Committee
(Housing and Public Protection) for consideration.
Reason for decision
To consider the Civil Protection arrangements
in place for Hinkley Point and refer to the appropriate Scrutiny
Committee.
C1494
WELSH GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION DOCUMENT - IMPROVING THE PLANNING
APPEAL PROCESS (PT) (SCRUTINY ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
-
The aforementioned consultation document put
forward proposals for various changes which were designed to make
the appeals process more proportionate, cost effective and
responsive to applicants and appellants needs. In the most
part it was noted that the consultation endorsed the approach that
the Council had undertaken for the last 12 months when it had been
selected to take part in a pilot scheme for introducing a quicker,
simpler system for householder appeals. Other key changes
proposed included the appeal method for each case being decided by
the Inspectorate, extending the costs regime to written
representation planning appeals, introducing a simple procedure for
correcting errors in appeal decisions and introducing a formal
process and guidance for undertaking bespoke timetables for complex
Inquiries. Such changes were to be welcomed in streamlining
the process. Changes in the current arrangements for payment
of enforcement application fees to ensure that the whole fee for an
enforcement appeal under Ground A would now be retained by the
Council - this was also considered to be a positive step.
Certain points in the consultation, however,
raised some concerns. It was considered that some of the
timescales imposed on the Council for the submission of
documentation to the Inspectorate were unrealistic (5 days) and
that a timescale of 10 working days would be more
appropriate. The second concern was in respect of the
submission of Statements of Common Ground. The consultation
document suggested that the submission of an agreed Statement of
Common Ground and its submission to the Planning Inspectorate
should be submitted prior to the expiry of the 4 week deadline for
the submission of written proofs of evidence. Members
considered that the submission of the Statement earlier in the
appeals process could lead to less Statements of Common Ground
being agreed with the documents themselves having little value due
to the time pressures involved. Further to the above, general
concern was expressed at the Welsh Government's conclusion as to
why Statements of Common Ground were not submitted, the point being
made that it was not until Councils and appellants had gone through
the process of the preparation of evidence that any Common Ground
became apparent.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the response to the Consultation Document as appended to the
report be approved and forwarded to the Welsh Government.
(2) T H A
T a copy of the report be forwarded to the Planning Committee for
information purposes.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
enable the Council to respond to the recent consultation issued by
the WG entitled Improving the Planning Appeal Process.
(2) To
inform the Planning Committee of the response to the
consultation.
C1495
INNOVATION QUARTER: HYDRAULIC PUMPHOUSE, BARRY WATERFRONT (EDR)
(SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The external refurbishment works (the
enveloping project) had been completed at the end of September,
2011 within budget, leaving a surplus of c. £160,000. Members
considered the proposal to vire that sum for additional works
within the Innovation Quarter as detailed in the report. It
was also intended to dispose of the Hydraulic Pumphouse site by way
of a 999year lease to secure a new end use as part of the ongoing
regeneration of the area. The Welsh Government had confirmed
there would be no clawback of the £800,000 grant and was supportive
of the Council marketing the building on the basis of a 999 year
lease disposal.
This was a matter for Executive decision
saving for the virement of £70,000 referred to in resolution (4)
above which required the approval of Full Council.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T authority be granted to market and dispose of the Hydraulic
Pumphouse site in consultation with the Director of Finance, ICT
and Property and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and
Regeneration, subject to the consent of the Welsh Government.
(2) T H A T authority be
granted to appoint property agents/consultants to assist with the
marketing and preferred bidder selection exercise.
(3) T H A
T authority be granted to the Director of Legal, Public Protection
and Housing Services to prepare, complete and execute the
appropriate legal documentation required to dispose of this
site.
(4) T H A
T authority be granted to vire immediately £90,000 out of the
£160,000 budget surplus from the Pumphouse Enveloping budget to a
new 'Innovation Quarter Infrastructure Budget', with the remaining
£70,000 to be vired in due course subject to the approval of Full
Council, and for this budget to be utilised for additional
security, landscape and physical measures and feasibility/surveys
within the Innovation Quarter subject to the approval of the
Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
facilitate the marketing and disposal of the Hydraulic Pumphouse
site.
(2) To
facilitate the appointment of property agents/consultants to assist
with the marketing of the Hydraulic Pumphouse site.
(3) To
enable the preparation, completion and execution of the appropriate
legal documentation required for the disposal of the Hydraulic
Pumphouse site.
(4) To
vire £160,000 from the Pumphouse Enveloping budget to the new
'Innovation Quarter Infrastructure Budget' and for this budget to
be utilised for additional security, landscape and physical
measures and feasibility/surveys within the Innovation Quarter,
subject to the approval of the Cabinet Member for Economic
Development and Regeneration.