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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 report be noted.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interests received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 2026, were approved as a true and accurate record.
Decision as recorded
Resolved: That the report be noted.
Members received an update on progress with the Strategic Development Plan (SDP) work programme, including recruitment, development of the evidence base, key risks and opportunities, funding arrangements, and future work plans. Officers advised that recruitment to the SDP managerial post remained a priority and was progressing as planned; the post was expected to be advertised shortly through the lead recruiting authority. The Committee was advised that, once appointed, the focus will move to recruiting a team to deliver the broader SDP work programme. It was stated that the work relating to the SDP evidence base was underway and currently focused on a regional baseline review and the commissioning of Arup to undertake an evidence review and gap analysis; the commission would provide a foundation for future work by identifying any gaps, inconsistencies, or additional evidence requirements across the constituent local planning authorities. Officers noted that similar exercises had been completed in the Cardiff Capital Region and Ambition North Wales and expressed confidence that, due to established collaborative working arrangements, significant inconsistencies were unlikely to be identified. Officers reported that regional collaboration continued to strengthen through engagement with counterparts in the Cardiff Capital Region and Ambition North Wales, as well as through information sharing between constituent local planning authorities. It was mentioned that Officers across all Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) functions remained engaged in ensuring a coordinated and consistent approach to strategic planning, transport, energy and other regional priorities. Members were advised that the SDP timetable remained under regular review and would continue to be refined in response to statutory requirements and forthcoming Welsh Government guidance. Officers highlighted that the SDP Manual had not yet been published for consultation by Welsh Government, although publication was anticipated later in the year. Reference was made to a number of key risks, including recruitment and retention challenges within the planning profession, the continued absence of the SDP Manual, and longer-term funding pressures. Members were advised that these risks would be actively monitored and managed as the programme progressed. An update was also provided on funding arrangements. It was noted that Welsh Government had awarded an initial £100,000 incentivisation grant, which had supported mobilisation of the early stages of the programme, including evidence base development; a further £100,000 funding claim would be submitted to support ongoing work. Officers advised, however, that future resource requirements, including staffing, consultation and plan preparation costs, would need to be incorporated within the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee’s (SWWCJC) Medium Term Financial Plan. Following on from previous discussion regarding recruitment, it was stated that the Delivery Agreement provided for the establishment of a dedicated SDP team; with the SDP lead providing strategic leadership for the regions planning agenda, aligning spatial development with wider economic, environmental and sustainability objectives. Officers confirmed that the SDP lead post had completed the job evaluation process and was due to be advertised shortly through Carmarthenshire County Council. It was mentioned that recruitment to the remaining posts would follow the appointment of the successful candidate. It was reiterated that future staffing and delivery costs would need to be reflected within the SWWCJC’s Medium Term Financial Plan to support implementation of the Delivery Agreement. Members sought clarification on the legislative timetable and comparative progress with other regions. Officers advised that Welsh Government’s draft SDP Manual had indicated a five-year preparation period; however, it was anticipated that the first tranche of SDPs across Wales could take approximately six years to complete. The Committee was reminded that the process would broadly mirror the Local Development Plan (LDP) process, including formal consultation stages and community engagement requirements. Officers further advised that the Cardiff Capital Region was currently more advanced, having appointed key SDP staff and progressed its evidence base audit and settlement hierarchy work. It was added that Ambition North Wales was reported to be at a similar stage to the region, with Officers confident that the commissioning of Arup would assist in narrowing any initial gap in progress. In response to a question regarding the programme timescale, Officers confirmed that the region remained within the first year of delivery, with the timetable commencing upon Welsh Government approval of the Delivery Agreement. Members also sought clarification regarding the remuneration package for the Strategic Development lead post. Officers highlighted that the salary level was broadly aligned with equivalent Local Development Plan lead roles and had been established through the job evaluation process. It was added that no market supplement had been applied, although this could be reviewed should recruitment difficulties arise. Members expressed concern regarding long-term funding arrangements and the potential impact on recruitment, retention and programme delivery. It was suggested that representations be made through the SWWCJC to Welsh Government Ministers, highlighting the importance of securing sustainable funding for the SDP and wider regional functions. In response, Officers reassured Members that regular engagement was taking place with Welsh Government officials to monitor policy developments and emerging risks. Members were also informed of plans for a regional engagement event later in the year involving Members of the Senedd, Cabinet Ministers and regional stakeholders, which would showcase the work being undertaken across strategic planning, transport, energy and economic development. Officers confirmed that Sub-Committee Members would be invited to attend. Resolved: That the report be noted.
In response to a query regarding the completion of the Arup commission, Officers advised that the work was expected to conclude in late autumn. Members were informed that arrangements were being made for Arup to present its findings to the Committee, with a report anticipated for either the September or November meeting, subject to final programme arrangements. Following discussion, the Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items received.
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