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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: That the update on the new rugby pitch at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay be noted as evidence of the improvements made (both in terms of service delivery and income generated), following the investment into the 3G pitch and confirmation that the decision to invest was sound. Note: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in the above item as he is Chair of the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation and a member of the Friends of Eirias Park Group. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Chris Hughes was able to speak and vote on the matter.
RESOLVED: That the results of the Llandudno Library consultation be noted. RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: That Cabinet, having fully considered the responses to the public consultation, approve the draft plans for the Venue Cymru Futures Project, which include relocating Llandudno Library and the Llandudno Tourist Information Centre to Venue Cymru.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Carol Beard, Ros Griffiths-Williams, Gail Jones and Aaron Wynne.
Whilst not declared at this point in the meeting, Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in Agenda item 5(i) (Update on the New Rugby Pitch at Eirias), as he is Chair of the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation and a member of the Friends of Eirias Park Group. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Chris Hughes was able to speak and vote on the matter.
None.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the update on the new rugby pitch at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay be noted as evidence of the improvements made (both in terms of service delivery and income generated), following the investment into the 3G pitch and confirmation that the decision to invest was sound. Note: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in the above item as he is Chair of the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation and a member of the Friends of Eirias Park Group. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Chris Hughes was able to speak and vote on the matter.
The Cabinet Member for Culture, Governance and IT introduced the update report on the new rugby pitch at Eirias, Colwyn Bay and the Principal Leisure Manager provided an update on the improvements made to both service delivery and income generation following the investment into the 3G pitch. In scrutinising the report, reference was made to the following: • Value for money and the need to ensure sufficient income was generated to cover borrowing fees and maintenance costs. In response to queries, surrounding the financial sustainability, management and varying contribution of the sinking fund, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources advised that, the repayments for the investment were covered within the revenue budget and not reliant upon the sinking fund. In terms of financial security and income growth, it was recognised that the leisure service had become more commercially driven and the increase in Ffit Conwy membership was praised. • In respect of the longevity and maintenance programme for the pitch, the estimated lifespan of 15 years was considered ambitious by some, however, the Principal Leisure Manager advised that the pitch met with FIFA 2 and World Rugby standards and that he was confident that the pitch, supported by appropriate maintenance and experience with a similar licensed pitch, would meet expectations. • All year-round community benefits for both school pupils, local teams, groups and events was praised, together with the environmental benefits, such as the planting of trees to offset the loss of natural grass and habitat. RESOLVED: That the update on the new rugby pitch at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay be noted as evidence of the improvements made (both in terms of service delivery and income generated), following the investment into the 3G pitch and confirmation that the decision to invest was sound. Note: Councillor Chris Hughes declared a personal interest in the above item as he is Chair of the Colwyn Bay Conservation and Environment Federation and a member of the Friends of Eirias Park Group. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Chris Hughes was able to speak and vote on the matter.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the results of the Llandudno Library consultation be noted. RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: That Cabinet, having fully considered the responses to the public consultation, approve the draft plans for the Venue Cymru Futures Project, which include relocating Llandudno Library and the Llandudno Tourist Information Centre to Venue Cymru.
The Cabinet Member for Culture, Governance and IT introduced the Venue Cymru Futures (VCF) Project report and the Head of Service – Economy and Culture displayed visual aids and provided a detailed overview of the proposed project. In addition, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources presented a summary of costs for Llandudno library, as recorded in the Council’s accounting records which included a service charge to the landlord, national non-domestic rates, utility bills and cleaning, which equated to £131,230 per year, this amount would be saved by moving the location of the library to Venue Cymru. Further to the above, whilst there would be some additional costs at Venue Cymru for National Non-Domestic Rate (NNDR), utilities, cleaning etc. they would be as a consequence of the £10m investment. It was also anticipated that any additional costs would be funded from additional income and therefore considered cost neutral. In line with the Overview and Scrutiny Public Engagement Protocol, two members of the public, Debbie Wareham and Jon Merrick had requested to speak. Debbie Wareham, who was unable to attend the meeting in person, provided an audio recording and spoke in favour of the proposal. Reference was made to the opportunity for all people of Llandudno to access literature and other creative arts in a contemporary setting. In addition, the modernising and innovative proposal to access literature and art for all age groups was praised. Jon Merrick spoke against the proposal on behalf of the Llandudno Business Forum and stated that, whilst the Forum supported the upgrade and transformation of Venue Cymru, he considered the proposal to relocate the library and Tourist Information Centre (TIC) a risk to footfall on the high street and local businesses and, as a result, requested a robust impact study to be undertaken to ensure such a decision would not have any long-term negative impact on the town and Conwy County as a whole. The Chair thanked both Ms Wareham and Mr Merrick for their participation. In scrutinising the report, Members made reference to the following: • Some concern was expressed that there were no costings for Venue Cymru for the next 10-15 years and that the predicted savings estimate was incorrect in relation to annual electricity charges, as it was stated that not all the costs related to Conwy County Borough Council. In response, the Strategic Director – Finance and Resources expressed disappointment that she had not been given sufficient time to make appropriate investigations into the position with electricity, but would investigate further, however, the Strategic Director maintained that even with a readjusted figure, the authority would save in excess of £100,000. • Any future costs associated with the new building were a concern. In response, the Leader made reference to the grant funding, the current budget shortfall in the last three years and how many Local Authorities across Wales had closed libraries and/or reduced library service hours. • The importance of Venue Cymru to the local economy was recognised. • The project was considered a vibrant, cultural hub, which would offer increased library opening hours, whilst also creating a saving for the authority. In addition, the improved provision for studying would help to encourage life-long learning. · Discussion arose regarding the consultation results and the views of relocating the library. • The improved accessibility for people with protected characteristics, particularly people with disabilities, and people with young children was praised, together with the visual impairment, sensory needs and dementia friendly design. • The impact upon nearby Craig y Don was queried. In response, the Head of Economy and Culture advised that whilst a study had not taken place, some businesses in Craig y Don had shown support for the project. • In response to discussions surrounding the need for a business case for the project, Members were informed that a draft business case had been shared with the UK Government, with a caveat that the library and TIC element may need amending, depending on the decision on the report. • In answer to queries surrounding the costs/reserves and current lease at Mostyn Street, Members were advised that it was completely separate to the budget relating to the library. It was noted that the break clause for the lease was May 2027. • Mostyn Estates was praised for their success in continually attracting new and vibrant business to the town. The recommendations at paragraph 2.2 and 2.3 of the report were moved and seconded. An alternative proposal was put forwarded to recommend that Cabinet defer consideration of the project, pending a full financial analysis of the future bid and a detailed economic impact assessment of moving the library and TIC from Mostyn Street to Venue Cymru. RESOLVED: That the results of the Llandudno Library consultation be noted. RECOMMENDATION TO CABINET: That Cabinet, having fully considered the responses to the public consultation, approve the draft plans for the Venue Cymru Futures Project, which include relocating Llandudno Library and the Llandudno Tourist Information Centre to Venue Cymru.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
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