Wrthi'n llwytho
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RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 July, 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – North held on 16 June 2022, 4 July and 17 July 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – South held on 22 June 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – Central held on 29 June 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – East held on 5 July 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – West held on 6 July 2022 be noted.
RESOLVED- That the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme, together with the combined Forward Work Programme be approved.
RESOLVED: (a) That the progress of the actions taken to date in the delivery of the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan 2019-2022 and development of a new 3 year plan for 2023-2026 be noted. (b) That future updates regarding chemical usage be included in the next 3 year Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan 2023-2026.
An apology for absence was received from Jane Richardson (Strategic Director – Economy and Place).
None.
None.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 July, 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 July, 2022 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6 July, 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – North held on 16 June 2022, 4 July and 17 July 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Forum (LAF) – North held on 16 June 2022, 4 July and 17 July 2022 were presented for information. The LAF Chair, Councillor Harry Saville, drew Members’ attention to the discussion surrounding the Levelling Up Fund – Aberconwy Bid (minute 4 refers), which took place at the meeting on 13 July, 2022. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – North held on 16 June 2022, 4 July and 17 July 2022 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – South held on 22 June 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Forum (LAF) – South held on 22 June 2022 were presented for information. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – South held on 22 June 2022 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – Central held on 29 June 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Forum (LAF) – Central held on 29 June 2022 were presented for information. It was noted that, representatives from both Environment, Roads and Facilities (ERF) and Economic Development had been invited to provide an update to the next meeting on parking and traffic management flow at Rhos on Sea Promenade and Rhos Point. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – Central held on 29 June 2022 be noted.
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RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – East held on 5 July 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Forum (LAF) – East held on 5 July 2022 were presented for information. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – East held on 5 July 2022 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – West held on 6 July 2022 be noted.
The minutes of the meeting of the Local Area Forum (LAF) – West held on 6 July 2022 were presented for information. Members’ attention was drawn to the LAF Forum – West Forward Work Plan. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Local Area Forum – West held on 6 July 2022 be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED- That the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme, together with the combined Forward Work Programme be approved.
The Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme, together with the Combined Forward Work Programme were presented. The following was highlighted: · The Environmental Enforcement report had been deferred until October, 2022 as the Service was working on a proposal to use increased numbers of mobile and targeted CCTV, to deal with environmental enforcement and open spaces monitoring. · Consideration of the Housing Support Grant had been deferred until September, 2022. · Conwy’s Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan was a new item to be considered in November, 2022. The report would outline the work that Conwy County Borough Council would undertake over a 5 year period to March 2027 to move towards implementing a rapid rehousing approach. RESOLVED- That the Economy and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme, together with the combined Forward Work Programme be approved.
Councillor Paul Luckock had submitted a question to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory and Deputy Leader as follows: "Pensarn Flats" boundaried by South Parade, Meirion, Marine Road, Berlan provide accommodation at some of the lowest rents in Conwy County Borough Council area. It also provides some of the poorest accommodation in Conwy, tenants many vulnerable live in inadequate, shameful conditions, which blights the immediate local area. I acknowledge there are 1,800 people in emergency accommodation at the present time in Conwy and acknowledge solutions are challenging. I understand there are no pending enforcement actions against landlords on this site. Proposals have been made over the years, including the demolition and redevelopment of the whole site to address the scale of problems. What decisions have you taken since May, 2022 to establish long term solutions? In response, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory and Deputy Leader, Councillor Emily Owen, advised that, Pensarn flats were converted from bedsits to flats in the late 1970s early 1980s and it was since then, that the Council had been dealing with complaints. Over 100 improvement notices had been issued since 2013, including 10 so far in 2022. It was recognised that there were a wide variety of challenges linked to the flats, ranging from their poor condition to very frequent fly tipping in the immediate vicinity, therefore, many stakeholders had an interest in improving the situation. The Cabinet Member had personally visited the flats and also had the same level of concern as Councillor Luckock, particularly as they sat within an area of deprivation. Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) had originally proposed that a feasibility study be undertaken to understand the options, costs and deliverability. The work was carried out and there were a range of options assessed from complete demolition/rebuild to more cosmetic frontage work. The options were used to work with Welsh Government to seek potential grants to redevelop. However, this type of funding was largely focused around town centres and as Pensarn was not a town centre, CCBC were advised that future funding was very unlikely. The Cabinet Member advised that she was determined to find an appropriate solution to improve the lives of the residents living in the flats and having spoken to relevant officers, who were familiar with the flats, the Cabinet Member was proposing a regeneration project focused specifically around the site. This project would be a group consisting of Policy, Housing, Regeneration, Estates and other stakeholders, together with residents. In addition, Councillor Luckock had submitted a supplementary question as follows: “ Is it possible for Pensarn Flats to be included in the Abergele Regeneration Board scheme of work and is it possible for the 2018 report with a variety of proposals and costings including demolition and restart and rebuild be actively revisited. In response, the Cabinet Member advised that, when progressing the Abergele Placemaking Plan, Pensarn was included. However, the new Abergele Programme Board did not factor Pensarn Flats. Projects usually had to be those, which had funding and were ready to go. If a project was set up around the regeneration of Pensarn Flats it would then be picked up by the Board. In regards to the feasibility study reports, the Cabinet Member stated that, she wanted them to play a big part in the regeneration project and solutions moving forwards. A second Cabinet Member Question was submitted by Councillor Thomos Montgomery to the Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities – Infrastructure as follows: The 2022/2023 Revenue Business Case for Street Cleaning (BC17) referenced that there was “no identified budget for ongoing maintenance to Children’s Corner, North Shore, Llandudno, which is the most densely utilised area per m² of sandy beach with Conwy” and that a “specific annual allocation of £10, 000 will ensure ongoing maintenance is possible.” Would the Cabinet Member explain why stone raking of this section of beach didn’t take place during summer 2022, despite the business case being approved? In response, the Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities – Infrastructure, Councillor Goronwy Edwards, advised that the Business Case (for spend in 2022/2023) wasn’t fully approved. In addition, a Marine License was required for such work to be undertaken and there was insufficient time for a survey to be undertaken, a licence to be obtained and a contractor to be procured and work to be completed prior to this summer season.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: (a) That the progress of the actions taken to date in the delivery of the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan 2019-2022 and development of a new 3 year plan for 2023-2026 be noted. (b) That future updates regarding chemical usage be included in the next 3 year Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan 2023-2026.
The Open Spaces Manager presented Members with an update on Conwy County Borough Council’s (CCBC) Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan. Conwy County had a wealth of wildlife living in a wide diversity of habitats, from alpine scree to grasslands, woodlands, freshwater lakes, streams and rivers, tidal estuaries and coastal habitats, as well as the more modified habitats of permanent pasture and planted conifer forest. Two of Conwy County’s main industries, agriculture and tourism, were closely interlinked with and dependent upon the natural environment. It was essential that biodiversity, which was a key component of that natural environment, was protected and enhanced, so it could continue to underpin people’s lives and livelihoods. The Environment (Wales) Act 2016 placed a legal duty on public bodies to maintain and enhance biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems. Under Section 6 of the Act, every public authority must publish a plan as to how it intended to meet the requirement, and publish a report on its progress in delivering the plan actions. CCBC’s Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan (Appendix 1 of the Committee report) included the first progress report and the 2021 mid-term review representing the wide range of biodiversity actions already completed or in progress by CCBC. The Plan had six themes for delivery as follows: · Corporate Issues, Policies and Plans · Site Management and Species Protection · Habitat Improvement on the Conwy Estate · Use and Development of Biodiversity Data · Awareness, Education and Advice · Working with the Community Some of the areas of progress identified in the Plan were highlighted, together with recent biodiversity enhancements. In addition, reference was made to the dedicated team, within CCBC. Members welcomed the update and in scrutinising the report and Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan, went on to discuss the following: • The importance of promoting the Plan and providing support to promote actions e.g. guidance regarding self-seeding saplings and seasonal observations. • Practicalities and maintenance of verges to ensure safety and accessibility to local amenities. In response, the Open Spaces Manager advised on CCBC’s maintenance and methodology/grass cutting cycle and highlighted the importance of being sympathetic to nature when, for example, hedge cutting. • The need for a more sympathetic maintenance regime to encourage natural regeneration and growth was recognised. • Members looked forward to seeing the consultation responses in relation to the (CCBC) Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan. • Volunteering and getting community groups involved. • The need to achieve objectives and set achievable and realistic targets. • Identifying more grass verges to be planted, including roundabouts. • Reference was made to Town and Community Council projects e.g. urban planting schemes. The commitment and will was there, amongst communities, therefore, it was important to continue to support such schemes. • The success of CCBC’s tree nursery was acknowledged. • CCBC’s activity, practices and usage of chemical weed killers and the need to actively look for alternative methods and products was highlighted. In addition, Members requested detail in the new 3 year plan (2023-2026) in relation to chemical weed killer usage, so it could be monitored. Members were informed, that whilst chemicals were used, it was applied as sparingly as possible, with limited spray drift and only used in targeted areas. The Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Facilities – Neighbourhood and the Environment, Councillor Geoff Stewart, praised the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan and the hard work and commitment of the officers. RESOLVED: (a) That the progress of the actions taken to date in the delivery of the Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan 2019-2022 and development of a new 3 year plan for 2023-2026 be noted. (b) That future updates regarding chemical usage be included in the next 3 year Biodiversity and Resilience of Ecosystems Delivery Plan 2023-2026.
The Flood Risk and Infrastructure Manager presented Members with the Outline Business Case recommendations for Llandudno Coastal Defence Improvements. The Welsh Government (WG) recognised the challenges faced by all Local Authorities and as a consequence, had set up the Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP) to improve existing coastal defences given the challenges of climate and future sea-level rise. The proposed Llandudno Coastal Defence Improvements Scheme was one of 5 Conwy County projects identified in the programme. The Outline Business Case for the proposed coastal defence improvement works at Llandudno (North and West Shores) in line with the WG business case guidance for flood and coastal erosion management projects had been presented in consultation with the Llandudno Coastal Forum at drop in events and the options to improve the coastal defences presented to Cabinet in June, 2021 where they resolved ‘that the sand option at North Shore be identified as the single preferred option for detailed design and that the WG be notified accordingly’. The West Shore option was unchanged. The WG Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) branch considered the proposals in line with CRMP guidance and confirmed there was a viable scheme to take forward for detailed design, but raised serious reservations about the lack of additional flood benefits as well as the significant extra cost of the sand option (estimated to be over 3 times the cost of the option in line with the CRMP guidelines - £6.7 million v’s £23.9 million). Additionally, significant concerns were raised around the economic and environmental case for removing a functioning coastal defence mechanism and replacing it with an option, which was more focused on amenity, as opposed to flood risk reduction through the CRMP programme. The options presented for consideration were as follows: Option 1 Submit an application for funding to carry out the detailed design and submission of a full business case as requested by the WG Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management branch, which was in line with the CRMP guidance. At north shore, modify and extend the existing dwarf wall to the rear of the promenade and at west shore this would involve the modification of and extension of the existing rear wall between Gloddaeth Avenue and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) pumping station. Option 2 Do not submit an application for detailed design and do not take advantage of the current funding, which was available within the CRMP programme. In addition, reference was made to the risk implications, both financially and the increased flood risk to Llandudno. In scrutinising the report, Members made reference to the following: • Members welcomed the informative report and praised the work carried out by officers, Local Members and the Llandudno Coastal Forum. Working with various stakeholders from Llandudno had resulted in positive collaboration. • Improvement of the coastal defences was considered an opportunity to enhance the amenity at North Shore by replacing the existing cobble bank with sand and control structures. Llandudno wanted to mirror the successful regeneration that had taken place on Colwyn Bay’s seafront. • Members, together with the Coastal Forum, were disappointed with WG’s response to the sand option. There was a strong local desire for a sand beach in order to enhance the tourism benefit to Llandudno and the surrounding area. • The history in relation to the promenade and sea defences was highlighted. • The need to continue to pursue and identify additional funding for the additional works was highlighted. • The cost of maintaining sea defences. In response, the Flood Risk and Infrastructure Manager advised that all man made coastal defences needed to be maintained. The last investment to North Shore sea defences was in 2014 at an estimated cost of 1.4 million. • Present day flood risk – Members were informed that, whilst flood risk was greater at the west shore, climate change and the rise in sea levels was a significant challenge to many coastal areas. • Contributions to help fund future maintenance of the seafront in Llandudno was highlighted e.g. Tourism Tax options. • Discussion also ensued regarding beaches to the East of the County and the need for an access ramp onto the beach at Abergele/Pensarn and Kinmel Bay for the less able to access the lower and also to launch pleasure craft. In considering the options, Members were supportive of Option 1, but proposed further lobbying, at a national level, with relevant Ministers regarding the possibility of a sand option in order to benefit tourism in Llandudno and the surrounding area. In response, the Flood Risk and Infrastructure Manager advised that, by undertaking the ‘preferred’ option in line with the CRMP guidance, it did not preclude the possibility of a sand option in the future should funding become available from an alternative source. RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR CABINET: (a) That approval is provided to submit an application for the preferred option, in line with the Coastal Risk Management Programme (CRMP) guidance, as agreed by Welsh Government Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) branch and identified in Section 4.1 of the Committee report (option 1), whilst the funding is available. Option 1 Submit an application for funding to carry out the detailed design and submission of a full business case as requested by FCERM, which was in line with the CRMP guidance. At north shore modify and extend the existing dwarf wall to the rear of the promenade and at west shore this would involve the modification of and extension of the existing rear wall between Gloddaeth Avenue and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) pumping station. (b) That Conwy County Borough Council continues to pursue and identify additional funding for the additional works as identified by Cabinet in June 2021. (c) That further lobbying of UK Government and Welsh Government Ministers for Economy and Climate Change be undertaken regarding the potential added benefit of a sand option to tourism in Llandudno and the surrounding area. At the close of the meeting, the Chair payed tribute to ex County Councillor, Bob Squire, who had sadly passed away.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
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