Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
Resolved that: The Officers recommendations are not accepted. The Committee agreed that the Officers’ recommendations were not accepted due to economic, employment and tourism reasons.
Resolved that: The DNS Decision be received.
Resolved that: The Delegated report be received.
No apologies for absence were received.
No declarations of interest were made.
The Planning Officer G Davies provided details of the Fact-Finding Visit that took place on the 10th of March. The Officer referred to the locations that were visited and noted that Members were given plans showing the location of the proposed development.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Officers recommendations are not accepted. The Committee agreed that the Officers’ recommendations were not accepted due to economic, employment and tourism reasons.
Outline application for erection of a mixed leisure development comprising Indoor Snow Centre (up to 39,200 sq m), Water park (up to 7,500 sq m), Indoor Activity Centre (up to 9,000 sq m), Outdoor Activity Centre, Hotel Accommodation (up to 418 bedrooms), Woodland Lodge accommodation (up to 30 units), car parking (up to 830 spaces) and associated earthworks, access, drainage, servicing and utilities connections/infrastructure The Director of Neighbourhood Services introduced the report and provided the committee with a power point presentation outlining the application. An Objector of the application addressed the committee, raising concerns of the location of the proposed development and its impact on biodiversity and the surrounding area. The Objector also referred to the importance of nature and heritage conservation and discussed an alternate site. Concerns were also raised regarding parking and transport to the site. An Agent of the application then addressed the committee, providing details of the application and planning conditions and noted the social and economic benefits of the proposed development. The Applicant then addressed the committee, highlighting the economic benefits and referred to the jobs that would be created. The Applicant also discussed the possible investment and income that could be generated in Merthyr Tydfil as a result of the development. A Supporter of the application addressed the committee, noting that the proposed development would be a sports and leisure hub that would provide new infrastructure and career opportunities. In response to the questions from elected members to the Supporters of the application: · The Applicant explained the application process, financing and operators. · The timeframe for the application and building process was referred to. · Regarding hotel accommodation, the Applicant referred to the proposed hotel accommodation and noted that it would also create opportunities for hotels in the area. · The Applicant explained the estimated number of visitors to the proposed site. · The statistics and figures were calculated by a consultancy. The Local Elected Member Cllr Claire Jones spoke on behalf of residents both opposed to and in favour of the proposed development. Cllr C Jones referred to residents' concerns regarding the landscape, wildlife and an increase in air pollution. Cllr C Jones then referred to the residents supporting the proposed development and highlighted the economic opportunities. The Local Elected Member Cllr Anna Williams-Price shared the views of some residents and referred to the success of Bike Park Wales. Cllr A Williams-Prices referred to the possible hotel and job opportunities and the benefits of more indoor facilities. Cllr A Williams-Price acknowledged the visual impact and noted that there are issues to be looked at further in the planning process but highlighted the economic and social improvements. The Local Elected Member Cllr Andrew Barry discussed the economic and social difficulties in Merthyr Tydfil and noted that the proposed development could provide opportunities for future generations and create job and business opportunities. Cllr A Barry then stressed the need for opportunities in Merthyr Tydfil. The Local Elected Member Cllr Julia Jenkins referred to possible job prospects, opportunities for businesses and the increase in people visiting Merthyr Tydfil. The Local Elected Member Cllr David Jones spoke on behalf of the residents who had contacted him. Cllr D Jones noted that the proposed development would provide opportunities to improve leisure and tourism. Cllr D Jones then explained that the jobs created by the construction and operation of the facility are needed. The Director of Neighbourhood Services then provided clarification regarding the format of the report, the references made within the report, and the relevant policies that were referred to. In response to questions from elected members: · The Officer explained the destination management plan in reference to the application. · The report had been prepared to consider all relevant planning considerations and judgement was made as part of that. · The Officer explained that the level of detail and data provided isn't sufficient enough to allow a comprehensive overall assessment of the impacts on habitats and species. · The Officer explained that there are no objections regarding highways. · Regarding hotel accommodation, the Officer discussed possible sites. · The Officer provided clarification regarding 6.4.27. · Regarding the visual effects, the Officers explained that the policy context of Trago Mills was different. · The Officer provided clarification regarding the policies. A number of Councillors then made comments supporting the application. Resolved that: The Officers recommendations are not accepted. The Committee agreed that the Officers’ recommendations were not accepted due to economic, employment and tourism reasons.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The DNS Decision be received.
Resolved that: The DNS Decision be received.
Decision as recorded
Resolved that: The Delegated report be received.
Resolved that: The Delegated report be received.
The Chair advised that there was no other business deemed urgent.
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.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.