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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 progress be noted. [The meeting adjourned for a short break at this juncture] In response to a request from the Chair, the Director of Community Services provided an update on the Strategic Asset Management Group (SAMG) noting that the SAMG had been paused towards the end of Covid and that, as the group had been formed following a resolution from Cabinet, this was now being reviewed. The Membership would be updated with diaries being consulted to obtain dates for the next meeting where the Terms of Reference would be reviewed. The Director reassured Members that they would be fully appraised with the Corporate Asset Management Group being under the leadership of the Chief Executive.
RESOLVED That the update report be noted.
RESOLVED That the update report be noted. [The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED (a) That the work of the Nature Partnership and the role of Pembrokeshire County Council be endorsed. (b) That financial and management support to the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership at least, at its current levels continue and that Cabinet give serious consideration to increasing the Council’s contribution going forwards and, if possible, rising to reflect the commitments made under the Edinburgh Declaration and to support actions under the Environment (Wales) Act (2015) be approved. (c) That the Partnership provide an annual update to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the above amendments.
Councillors Viv Stoddart and Michael Stoddart declared a personal and prejudicial interest in matters relating to Agenda Item 5. Regeneration Update by virtue of their application for a transforming town and place grant. Councillor Thomas Tudor declared a personal interest in matters relating to Agenda Item 5. Regeneration Update by virtue of a close friend making an application for a transforming town and place grant.
Moved by Councillor Tony Wilcox; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2023 be approved as a correct record subject to the following: (a) Attendees - Councillor Chris Williams had sent apologies. (b) Minutes 30 – Reference to Councillor Time Evans in the vote results be amended to Councillor Tim Evans. Moved by Councillor Di Clements; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting held on 23 January 2023 be approved as a correct record.
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the progress be noted. [The meeting adjourned for a short break at this juncture] In response to a request from the Chair, the Director of Community Services provided an update on the Strategic Asset Management Group (SAMG) noting that the SAMG had been paused towards the end of Covid and that, as the group had been formed following a resolution from Cabinet, this was now being reviewed. The Membership would be updated with diaries being consulted to obtain dates for the next meeting where the Terms of Reference would be reviewed. The Director reassured Members that they would be fully appraised with the Corporate Asset Management Group being under the leadership of the Chief Executive.
[Having declared a prejudicial interest, Councillors Michael and Viv Stoddart left the meeting during consideration of this item of business.] The Chair welcomed the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Place, the Region and Climate Change who presented the Regeneration Update to the Committee. The Cabinet Member noted the breadth and scale of the regeneration programme ensuring the Authority remained focussed on Pembrokeshire being a great place to live, work and visit as well as highlighting the full fibre broadband was progressing at pace. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The Pembrokeshire Economic Ambition Board development was highlighted. · Development plans for Milford Haven Water Front were outlined. · Investment in Milford Haven railway station were also highlighted. · Councillor Thomas Tudor welcomed the investment into the new car park that was taking place and the investment in Haverfordwest Castle and requested an update on timescales. · The Committee noted that the report should read Pembroke House and not Picton House. · The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change reassured Members that they were keen to develop properties rather than dispose of them. The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Delivery highlighted the procurement strategy with the initial contractor noting that they were currently at the tender process with 2-3 Contractors interested. The Director of Community Services advised Members that a report had been presented to Cabinet for an adjustment on the levelling up fund which included Haverfordwest Castle due to significant funding pressures and increasing complexities which had been amended. The Director of Community Services further updated Members that work package two had been removed which was the proposal to access the castle via a link through Bridge Street and replaced with an improved access route through Castle Square. In response to a question raised by Councillor Alan Dennison regarding investing in Milford Haven, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change advised that the administration remained 100% committed to the delivery of the new primary and secondary schools in Milford Haven. The Director of Community Services advised that there was an expression of interest for a proposal for an outdoor Lido in the Rath area. In response to a question from Councillor Rhys Jordan regarding the purchase of properties on Bridge Street Haverfordwest to create the entry way to the Castle, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change advised that two properties had been purchased as part of work package two, neither had been demolished and would now feature in a new Welsh Government funded intervention with further details presented at a future meeting. In response to a question from Councillor Alan Dennison regarding the planning application for Scolton Manor to become a wedding venue, the Cabinet Member advised that the plans had been in place for some time and that this was a well used, low cost family attraction. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services advised that there were a number of collaborations between Scolton Manor and Social Care and Culture that had potentially saved the Social Care department £2-300,000 with Norman Industries. In response to a question from Councillor Di Clements regarding the Bridge Innovation Centre (BIC) at Cleddau Bridge, the Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change advised that the Authority was looking for the BIC to be cost neutral and the Head of Infrastructure confirmed that it was fully let. There were a number of rooms that could not be used due to the need for roof repairs but that the tenders had been received and were under review. The Head of Economic Development and Regeneration informed Members of the opportunity that the Free Port would offer the County if approved and that a further two companies have relocated to the BIC as part of the renewables energy innovation. The Cabinet Member advised that they were keen to build a BIC2 noting that Insight had grown significantly and Ascona had now received planning permission for their new HQ and they had both started through the BIC. It was noted that the BIC was supporting businesses and residents of Pembrokeshire which was the intention. The Head of Economic Development and Regeneration responded to a question from Councillor Tim Evans that she would provide an update regarding 29 High Street, Haverfordwest and the enquiry received regarding a retail unit after the meeting. In response to a question from Councillor Di Clements regarding working in partnership with the private sector, the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration advised Members that they were working in partnership with the private sector and, in response to a concern from Councillor Alan Dennison, reassured Members that this was a voluntary board with no costs. The Chair highlighted the improvement in appearance that had been achieved in a short space of time with little expense at the Roch Gate Motel, based in the village of Roch [Amended by Decision 3 – Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee 6 June 2023]. The exterior of the building had been repainted, tidied and transfers put in the windows to create a far more appealing entrance into the town. The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, together with the Director for Community Services and Head of Economic Development and Regeneration agreed that the Shared Prosperity Fund could be utilised to fund improvements across the County. The Cabinet Member for Place, the Region and Climate Change committed to return to the Committee and provide an update in six months times on the Regeneration projects. Moved by Councillor Di Clements; Seconded by Councillor Tim Evans The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the progress be noted. [The meeting adjourned for a short break at this juncture] In response to a request from the Chair, the Director of Community Services provided an update on the Strategic Asset Management Group (SAMG) noting that the SAMG had been paused towards the end of Covid and that, as the group had been formed following a resolution from Cabinet, this was now being reviewed. The Membership would be updated with diaries being consulted to obtain dates for the next meeting where the Terms of Reference would be reviewed. The Director reassured Members that they would be fully appraised with the Corporate Asset Management Group being under the leadership of the Chief Executive.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the update report be noted.
The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services presented the Havens Head and Lower Priory Flood Alleviation Study update report to the Committee noting that they were now moving to a full business case to Welsh Government. The Cabinet Member then introduced the Coastal and Rivers Engineer who advised Members that the groundworks data was being collected to inform the full business case following submission of the outline business case to determine eligibility for funding. Whilst the scheme did not meet their viability criteria, it was very likely to be granted funding to move to a full business case as it was the only capital project funding submitted. The Engineer advised Members that the services below ground in Lower Priory were extremely complex which had caused a delay but that match funding had been approved through Cabinet. In response to a request for a detailed drawing of the underground arrangements for the next meeting from Councillor Mike Stoddart, the Head of Infrastructure advised that since the original paper, a lot of development work had been undertaken and had provided a lot of information regarding utilities. They would therefore review the best way to present the drawings to provide clarity. In response to concerns from Councillors Brian Hall, Viv Stoddart, Tony Wilcox and Mark Carter, the Director of Community Services advised that there had been a working group meeting regularly but that this had been superseded by the work of Cabinet and the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Coastal and Rivers Engineer confirmed that residents were updated regularly and, following approval of the full business case, a further review would be arranged. The Chair invited any Residents to submit questions and attend the regular updates presented to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee. In response to a concern from Councillor Alan Dennison, the Head of Infrastructure advised Members that all developers submitting new developments were required to abide by the Sustainable Urban Developments (SUDS) to ensure no effect on local residents and that sustainable drainage was a part of the planning process. Moved by Councillor Brian Hall; Seconded by Councillor Tony Wilcox The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the update report be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the update report be noted. [The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Residents’ Services presented the performance update on the Authority’s Bus company and school transport acquisition. He highlighted it was too early to report on performance however, the report highlighted a number of the issues that had been presented. He stated that Edwards Brothers were delivering 28 contracts, 22 of which were statutory school transport and had therefore necessitated an intervention. The Head of Infrastructure clarified that the Authority had taken over the contract on 9 December 2022. In response to a concern from Councillor Di Clements regarding asking other bus service providers if they were able to tender for the contracts, the Cabinet Member advised that he could not answer for the his predecessor regarding enquiries to other bus service providers. The Committee then debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · The advice provided in reports to Cabinet stated that there had been no indication of anyone willing to take over the business and that there had been very limited tenders for school transport contracts. · Tender exercises had been undertaken for school transport contracts with only single tenders being received in a number of areas. · Due to the work commitment being to and from schools, it was not attracting younger people into the sector. · An agency fitter had been brought in to assist existing staff and to ensure duties and repairs were met. · Active recruitment for a full time fitter was in place. · Capacity issues at the Thornton Yard had necessitated a move to Tiers Cross earlier than expected. · The purchase had included the depot site, land and equipment noting that seven of the vehicles were on hire purchase or lease and that these had also been taken on. [Councillor Shon Rees declared a personal interest at this juncture by virtue of owing a bus transport business]. Councillor Shon Rees highlighted the shortage of staff throughout the County, Wales and across the UK. The Head of Infrastructure advised Members that there were three fitter apprentices currently employed at the Thornton Depot but that there had been difficulties in recruitment. In response to questions from the Chair, the Passenger Transport Coordinator explained that of the seven lease vehicles, one is a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and the remaining six were used for trips, many school trips for education purposes. These trips included trips out of the County with full time drivers which needed to be maintained. He further advised that there was a pool of relief drivers that were used for Social Care and Portfield school routes under a D1 Drivers licence but that they did not have the necessary full bus licence. The Head of Infrastructure advised that they were currently upskilling to HGV drivers to ensure maintenance of driver hours and would review using this initiative for PSV drivers. Councillor Rees highlighted that when reviewing newer vehicles that those travelling into cities will need to have less emissions due to the emission zones. In response to a question from Councillor Di Clements regarding the running of the Ffescsi bus service, the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services advised that the Ffecsi bus service was mostly being run in the North of the County and was working well. The Chair requested that a further update be presented in 12 months time. Moved by Councillor Alan Dennison; Seconded by Councillor Brian Hall The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the update report be noted. [The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the work of the Nature Partnership and the role of Pembrokeshire County Council be endorsed. (b) That financial and management support to the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership at least, at its current levels continue and that Cabinet give serious consideration to increasing the Council’s contribution going forwards and, if possible, rising to reflect the commitments made under the Edinburgh Declaration and to support actions under the Environment (Wales) Act (2015) be approved. (c) That the Partnership provide an annual update to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Housing Delivery introduced the Biodiversity Implementation Officer who presented the work of the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership to the Committee. He highlighted that, in the midst of an ongoing nature emergency, the Authority had a statutory duty under the Environment Act of Wales 2016 to seek and enhance biodiversity and the wellbeing of future generations act. The Biodiversity Implementation Officer highlighted that in 2019-20, 1300 new trees had been planted , one tree for every baby born in that year, since then more than 6500 trees had been planted. The Director of Community Services highlighted the support from public service bodies and the return on the £10,000 each year. The Committee then debated the contents of the presentation and the key points were discussed as follows: Councillor Di Clements highlighted the opportunities available with working with farmers, private farm ownerships that were rebranding and regenerative co-operatives. Councillor Steve Alderman advised of the initiative taken on in Castlemartin that had allowed habitat land to ‘run wild’ advising that within Wales there were 16 species of bats. The CastlemMartin range was the last holding area for the Shrill Carnaby of Bees. The Biodiversity Implementation Officer suggested a seminar on Biodiversity for Member Training noting that 80% of Wales was agricultural. In response to a question from Councillor Tim Evans regarding the affect that removing hedgerows had on biodiversity, the Biodiversity Implementation Officer advised that many farmers had been removing hedges in order to claim funding for biodiversity however, the funding basis was being changed. He further explained that funding was undertaken on an individual case basis, rewarding Farmers for biodiversity and creating woodlands and advised that the Partnership would meet with any land owners to review the opportunities. Councillor Di Clements then Moved the recommendation with a proposal to return annually to update the Committee and to support increased funding from Cabinet; Seconded by Councillor Steve Alderman The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the work of the Nature Partnership and the role of Pembrokeshire County Council be endorsed. (b) That financial and management support to the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership at least, at its current levels continue and that Cabinet give serious consideration to increasing the Council’s contribution going forwards and, if possible, rising to reflect the commitments made under the Edinburgh Declaration and to support actions under the Environment (Wales) Act (2015) be approved. (c) That the Partnership provide an annual update to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the above amendments.
The Chair presented the Forward Work Programme to Members who then debated the contents with the following key point highlighted for inclusion: (a) Strategic Asset Management Group (SAMG) update report in June. (b) Havens Head and Lower Priory Flood Alleviation Study would be reviewed if any further information is relevant. (c) Pembrokeshire County Council Bus Company and school transport acquisition be included for an annual review (d) Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership be included for an annual review Moved by Councillor Mark Carter; Seconded by Councillor Chris Williams The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Forward Work Programme be approved subject to the above amendments.
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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