Schools, school places and buildings, additional learning needs and Welsh-medium education.
What councils do
Councils run community schools, fund every state school, provide school transport and support pupils with additional learning needs. They plan school places, including Welsh-medium places under a ten-year plan.
Who decides
The Cabinet decides on school changes, such as opening, closing or merging schools, after a formal consultation. Head teachers and governing bodies run each school day to day.
Having a say
Proposals to change a school must be consulted on, and anyone can respond. Parents can also become school governors.
In numbers
Welsh councils plan to spend £1,307 per person on this in 2026-27.
It ranges from £1,099 in Monmouthshire to £1,475 in Merthyr Tydfil.
Year 1 pupils taught in Welsh: 25% across Wales (2025-26).
RESOLVED: Pursuant to this Committee’s delegated powers the following development management applications be determined in accordance with the recommendation set out in the reports of the Director of Planning, Transport and Environment, subject to any further amendments as detailed below and notification be given of the decisions in accordance with Section 70 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or Section 74 of the Planning (Listed Building & Conservation) Act 1990.
APPLICATIONS GRANTED
24/01293/FUL – PONTCANNA
Pontcanna Mews, Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff
Retention of Change of use of existing Retail premises (Use Class A1) and to allow Flexible Use of the premises for Retail (Use Class A1), Financial and Professional Services (Use Class A2), Food and Drink (Use Class A3), Business (Use Class B1), Beauty Salon (Sui-Generis) and Tattoo Studio (Sui-Generis), including the use of the external courtyard for purposes ancillary to these uses and retention of a Covered Structure to provide outdoor seating.
The application was granted subject to amendment of the following conditions:
Condition 3
Members of the public shall only be admitted or allowed to remain on the premises, including the Covered Structure hereby approved, related to any use within Class A3 of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Uses Classes) Order 1987 (or any Order amending, revoking, or re-enacting that Order), between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00 Sunday to Thursday and between 08:00 and 20:30 on Friday and Saturday.
Condition 4
The external areas of the premises, including the Covered Structure hereby approved, shall only be permitted to be used for any purpose, except for means of access, between the hours of 08:00 and 18:00 Sunday to Thursday and between 08:00 and 20:30 on Friday and Saturday.
Condition 5
The premises shall not be used for purposes within Class B1 and A3 of the Scheduled to the Town and Country Planning (Uses Classes) Order 1987 (or any Order amending, revoking, or re-enacting that Order) that creates noise audible at the boundary of the nearest residential property outside of the hours of 07:45 and 17:15 Sunday to Thursday and 07:45 and 20:45 on Friday and Saturday.
And subject to the addition of the following conditions:
Condition 11
There shall be no provision of any music or any amplified sound at the premises that would be audible at the boundary of any residential property.
Condition 12
Within one month of the date of this planning permission a solid means of enclosure, of a minimum of 1.8m in height and a maximum of 2m in height, shall be provided to the boundary of all residential properties adjoining the site which provides for no visibility to the neighbouring properties.
24/00084/FUL – RHIWBINA
Land at the rear of 19A Heol Y Coed, Coed Ceirios, Rhiwbina, Cardiff
Erection of a 2 storey dwelling with associated landscape works.
The application was granted, subject to additional wording in Condition 3:
Construction Environmental Management Plan
No development, including site clearance, shall commence until such time as a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The CEMP shall, as a minimum, include the following:
- Details of site hoardings, site access and wheel washing facilities
- A strategy for the delivery of plant and materials
- The parking of vehicles of site operatives and visitors
- Loading and unloading of plant and materials
- Restrictions on deliveries, removal, loading and / or unloading of plan and materials during school pickup and drop off times.
- Storage of plant and materials used in constructing the development
- A plan identifying the location of any site compound
- The erection and maintenance of security hoarding
- Control of Nuisances: details of restrictions to be applied during construction including timing, duration and frequency of works; details of measures to minimise noise and vibration; details of dust control measures and measures to monitor emissions of dust arising from the development; measures to control light spill and the conservation of dark skies.
- Traffic Management: access routes (including any temporary traffic regulation orders required) and traffic management
- Details of the persons and bodies responsible for activities associated with the CEMP and emergency contact details.
All development shall be undertaken in full accordance with the approved CEMP.
APPLICATIONS GRANTED SUBJECT TO A BINDING SECTION 106 AGREEMENT
24/01603/FUL – LLANEDEYRN
Land west of St Teilos High School
Proposed Development of 53 Council Homes, Nine Supported Living Apartments, Re-Alignment of Footpath, Sustainable Drainage Proposals, Landscape Planting Including an Ecotone and Associated Works.
APPLICATIONS DEFERRED
23/02600/FUL – LLANDAFF
Land at Radyr Court Close
Erection of affordable houses together with access, landscaping, drainage, engineering and other associated works.
(Councillor Driscoll left his seat as a member of the Committee during this item in order to speak as a Ward Councillor, and did not vote in accordance with his prejudicial interest)
The application was deferred for reasons for refusal relating to loss of amenity / open space and ongoing flood concerns, including the failure of flood defences.
24/01641/DOC – WHITCHURCH AND TONGWYNLAS
Land to the north-west of Whitchurch Hospital playing fields, Whitchurch, Cardiff
Re-discharge of Condition 20 (Drainage) of 17/01735/MJR subsequently varied under 20/02632/MJR.
The application as deferred until January 2025 as the Committee ran out of time.
RESOLVED: Council AGREED:
1.
To approve the new appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as set out in Appendix 1, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment, in accordance with the recommendations of the Local Authority Governor Panel.
RESOLVED:
1. That the report be noted;
2. That Members send any further questions on the Education and Lifelong Learning Directorate Control Environment report, relevant to the committee’s terms of reference, to the Audit Manager.
RESOLVED: that
• the update on the Welsh Government ‘Review of roles and responsibilities of education partners in Wales and delivery of school improvement arrangements’ - the ‘Middle Tier review’ be noted.
• the development of a future operating model for School Improvement, in accordance with the guidance provided by Welsh Government, be noted.
• the proposed Future Direction of School Improvement and Key Principles (outlined in paragraphs 30-35) be agreed.
• It be noted that further reports will be brought forward which will specify the detailed operating models, with specific Financial, HR and Legal implications (likely in early spring 2025); and
• authority be delegated to the Director of Education in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education to implement any resulting change in service delivery following approval of this report.
RESOLVED: that
• the Child Friendly City Year 1 Progress and Delivery Report be approved for consideration by Council prior to its submission to UNICEF.
• authority be delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance, Corporate Director of Resources, Cabinet Member for Education and the Council Leader, to submit the Annual Progress and Delivery Report to UNICEF for Years 2 and 3.
• the Council continue to advocate for a wide commitment to embedding a child rights approach across all Council services where changes will impact upon their lives.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following persons to current Local Authority Governing Body vacancies as follows:
School
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Applicant
Baden Powell Primary School
Splott
17/06/24
23/09/24
Kevin Jacobs
Jamie Emerson
Bryn Deri Primary School
Radyr & Morganstown
18/09/24
Natalie Grimwards
Christ the King RC Primary School
Llanishen
02/09/24
Edward Williams
Danescourt Primary School
Llandaff
08/02/24
Mark Vaughan
Ely and Caerau Childrens Centre
Ely
09/05/27
Alexandra Powell
Hywel Dda Primary School
Ely
24/07/24
Simon Rees
Meadowbank Primary School
Llandaff North
25/09/24
Laura Hrastelj
Meadowlane Primary School
Trowbridge
03/07/24
Ceri Jones
Rhydypenau Primary School
Cyncoed
13/09/23
Hamida Mitha
St Joesph’s RC Primarty School
Gabalfa
14/09/23
Jenny Cater
Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Caerau
Caerau
13/09/23
Hayley Rowe
Ysgol Gynradd Gwaelod Y Garth Primary School
Pentyrch & St Fagans
24/06/24
Meurig Jones
The Committee received and considered applications to future vacancies against criteria, matching skills to vacancies. RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following:
School
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Re-Appointment
New Applicant
Cantonian High Schol
Fairwater
29/01/25
Ruth Jackson
Lansdowne Primary School
Canton
25/02/25
Ramesh Patel
Ninian Park Primary School
Grangetown
25/02/25
Ivor Gittens
Radyr Primary School
Radyr & Morganstown
27/01/25
Jane Griffiths
Rhydypenau Primary School
Cyncoed
27/01/25
Siân Evans
St Peter’s RC Primary School
Plasnewydd
01/12/24
Sophie Hayde
Moorland Primary School
Splott
28/01/25
Cllr Ed Stubbs
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr
Fairwater
29/01/25
Caroline Cooksley
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED – That the following matters be dealt with as indicated:
(1)
Application 1
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received stating that the driver refused to take a passenger on a pre-booked fare and became abusive and threatening.
The driver was not in attendance at the meeting.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness recounted that he had called Veezu and booked a journey that involved several stops on the way back to his home. The driver called him a few minutes before the pickup time and asked where he was, apparently unaware that the pickup time had been arranged for a few minutes later. The driver shouted that he couldn’t wait.
After he got into the vehicle, the driver refused to take him to the agreed stops on the way back home. He asked if he could speak to the dispatcher, in response to which the driver raised his voice again. At one point when the vehicle was stationary, the driver opened the passenger side door and stood in his way while shouting at him. A passer-by had to come over to the car to calm the driver down. The taxi company apologised and sent another driver to complete the journey.
The witness explained that this had been a distressing experience which he found it hard to relive, and he had trouble sleeping afterwards. He wished he had called the police at the time but had been too scared. He felt that the driver should not be driving if he was not capable of doing his job without being aggressive on several occasions, escalating each time, and he was concerned about what could happen to his next customer if there was nobody there to intervene.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 3 weeks, and that the driver be required to undertake the relevant SQA qualification within three months.
(2)
Application 2
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application in principle for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the applicant had a relevant conviction to consider.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had two convictions, the first for the possession of false identity documents and the second for a money laundering offence. He made no excuse for what had happened in the past and had been working full-time since getting out of prison. He used to be a security driver and had got his SIA licence back this year.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver confirmed that he had also applied for licences from Newport and Wolverhampton councils, and both had been refused.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he worked as a delivery driver for Dominos and Amazon in addition to security driving. He wanted to be a taxi driver because his partner was a carer and he wanted to be able to be more flexible so he could look after their child.
RESOLVED – that the application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence be refused.
(3)
Application 3
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application in principle for the grant of a Private Hire Operator’s Licence given that the applicant previously held a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence with Cardiff Council that was subsequently revoked.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver emphasised that what happened in 2015 was not reflective of him. He had learned a lesson and not made any mistakes like that since, and he hoped to get a second chance.
Members queried the circumstances of the revocation of his previous licence for fraud, and heard that he had been contracted to do a school run. He had given jobs to his colleagues to complete, and several of the drivers did not complete these jobs, without his knowledge. As the person in charge, he accepted responsibility and felt he had served his punishment over the last eight years, and assured the committee it would never happen again. The Legal Officer clarified that school run operators were not permitted to subcontract.
RESOLVED – that the application for the grant of a Private Hire Operator’s Licence be refused.
(4)
Application 4
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence following a complaint received alleging that he deliberately refused to take a fare that involved carrying a guide dog.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he had been on the way to pick up the passenger when his car cut out at some lights. He had been having issues with it for several weeks but hadn’t mentioned it to the operator because he needed the work. He thought he had sent the job back but then realised that he hadn’t. He cancelled the trip but then his car started again, and he drove past the passenger who was stood behind some parked cars, not seeing his dog.
The driver acknowledged that he told Veezu he was no longer in the area, which was not true. He suggested that he panicked because he didn’t want them to stop him driving, and because he needed the money and knew the car would cost a lot to fix. He apologised for the inconvenience caused to the customer, and emphasised that he had picked up hundreds of disabled passengers over the years and never had a complaint. As a result of the incident, he had lost his job with Veezu.
The Sub Committee asked for more details about his car and heard that it had cut out before, but not for a couple of days leading up to the incident. Members noted that the driver log showed he had accepted another job just a few minutes after breaking down, and queried how the car could have been unfit to take a passenger one moment and fine the next.
The witness addressed the Sub Committee, explaining that he had used Veezu to book a trip to the hospital. He was following the job on the mobile app so he knew when the car was approaching, despite being visually impaired. He recalled the car slowing down as it passed him, then it went towards the far end of the estate and the job disappeared on the app. The same driver reappeared on the map shortly after and then disappeared again. A few minutes later, he was able to find another Veezu driver to take him to the hospital, but was late for his appointment.
Members queried whether the original driver communicated with him at any point to explain the situation, and heard that he had not.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the representative from Veezu stressed that he had not taken an opinion in his representation, and had provided driver logs, call logs and GPS tracking which had been agreed as accurate by all parties. All bookings undertaken were logged in their system, and he could not recall any other specific instances of fares being cancelled for similar reasons so close to the pickup time. To his knowledge, there were no previous complaints of this nature against the driver.
Members asked what happened when a Veezu driver declined a job close to the pickup time, and heard that when jobs came up, nearby drivers had a period of flexibility where they could accept, decline or return to base at their discretion. In this case, because the driver had travelled to the booking after accepting it, he was required to call the operator and explain why he had returned to base outside of that time period.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 3 weeks.
(5)
Application 5
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
(6)
Application 6
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received stating that the driver allowed his licensed vehicle to be driven by unlicensed drivers on three occasions, each resulting in a speeding offence. It also stated that the driver was the only person insured to drive the vehicle.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that on three occasions after being caught speeding, he had asked someone to help him fill out the DVLA documents because his English was not very good, before signing them himself. He found out later that this person had filled in false names, and on the fourth occasion he was caught speeding he filled out the form himself. He had not committed any offences other than these four. He hoped that the committee could take into account that he was supporting his family and had recently lost his father.
The Sub Committee noted that getting someone else to fill out these forms was considered fraud regardless of whether the driver signed them before or after the false information was added. The driver confirmed that he understood it was his responsibility to make sure it was correct when he signed it.
The witness, representing South Wales Police, reiterated that the forms made very clear that they were only to be filled in by the person in question. They noted that on the fourth occasion the driver was able to fill in the form himself, and that he lived within walking distance of a police station, where he could have gone to request assistance if he was having any trouble.
Members asked what would have happened if the driver had declared his speeding offences in the proper way. The witness explained that the first offence would have led to a speed awareness course, before the next three would have been 3 points each. This meant a total of 9 points, which would now be 6 with 3 having expired.
RESOLVED – that the Private Hire Driver’s Licence be revoked.
(7)
Application 6
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence following a complaint alleging that he charged and obtained more than the legal fare and failed to provide a proper receipt on request.
The driver’s representative addressed the Sub Committee, acknowledging that the facts presented in the witness statement were accurate. He felt that the evidence provided showed it was indefensible and apologised to the witness and the committee He highlighted the driver’s personal life, noting that he was a doctor and a family man who had switched professions because his wife was disabled.
The driver’s representative added that he had trained the driver personally under the old BTEC system and felt responsible for not having got the message across about the importance of taxi drivers’ conduct. He suggested that education would be more appropriate than prosecution, and that this could be an opportunity to retrain the driver rather than just revoke his licence. He driver had admitted his mistake and acknowledged his guilt, and was willing to do the new SQA qualification which had more of a focus on mobility and disability issues.
The driver echoed his representative’s statement and apologised to the witness.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness thanked the driver for his apology. He added that earlier on the day in question, he had had similar issues with another taxi, which was why he did not challenge the fare in this case even though he knew he had been overcharged. He hadn’t used a taxi since this incident and it would take a long time before he felt comfortable using one again, which had a debilitating impact on his independence.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 3 weeks.
RESOLVED – T H A T having regard to the consultation responses and the
discussion at Statutory Licensing Committee, that the proposed Statement of
Licensing Principles for 2025-2028 detailed in the report and Appendix A be
approved and referred to Full Council for final approval.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C150 WELSH LANGUAGE STANDARDS ANNUAL MONITORING
REPORT 2023-24 (REF) –
The reference from Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th
September, 2024 was presented.
The Cabinet Member said that there were interesting points raised at the meeting,
some of which had not arisen previously, e.g. there was insufficient school transport
for one Welsh Medium Primary school which was subsequently been raised with
Officers within the School transport Team.
Committee also discussed the difficulty in attracting and retaining Welsh speaking
teachers as there was a shortage of teachers able to teach through the medium of
Welsh across Wales, commenting that the Council should look to maximise the
opportunities to recruit and retain teaching staff and others with Welsh language
skills. The Cabinet Member said that the Vale of Glamorgan Council had applied for
and gained funding to train teachers whilst in school to work towards addressing the
issue.
The Committee referred a comment to Cabinet to consider a proposal that the Vale
of Glamorgan considers a bid to host the 2029 Urdd Eisteddfod in Barry which the
Cabinet Member was happy to support and had written to Officers accordingly. The
Leader said that the National Eisteddfod had not been held in the Vale of Glamorgan
since 2012 and had been hugely successful at that time and looked forward to
finding out if that bid would be possible.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations of the Learning and
Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th September, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C151 ANNUAL CORPORATE SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2023-24
(REF) –
The reference from Learning and Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th
September, 2024 was presented.
Committee discussed School Governors undertaking safeguarding training as not all
of them had completed the relevant Safeguarding modules which needed to be
addressed.
There was also discussion concerning how much staff time was spent implementing
safeguarding in schools with decisions taken as to how each case should be treated
or referred, including Home Office PREVENT training. The Cabinet Member said
that all staff were trained regularly on such matters to be aware of the different
issues and challenges faced by children and young people.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations of the Learning and
Culture Scrutiny Committee held on 19th September, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C152 ANNUAL CORPORATE SAFEGUARDING REPORT 2023-24 (REF) –
The reference from Governance and Audit Committee held on 23rd September, 2024
was presented.
There was discussion concerning whether all Councillors were Disclosure and
Barring Service (DBS) checked and it was confirmed that all Councillors were
checked and any Councillor who had a responsibility or was on a Committee
concerning children and young people or vulnerable people had an Enhanced DBS
check. It was also asked if there was provision for DBS checks to be carried out on
a rolling basis.
Committee also discussed abuse in the home and whether some of the figures
quoted were specific to the Vale of Glamorgan or wider and whether figures were
comparable to other Local Authorities, which Officers were going to respond to.
Councillor Williams added that there was recognition at both Committees that it was
a Corporate safeguarding report and that both Members and staff had a duty to
report any issues regarding safeguarding, which the Leader agreed was vitally
important.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments of the Governance and Audit Committee held
on 23rd September, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C153 FINANCIAL STRATEGY 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF) –
The reference from the Extraordinary Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October, 2024 was presented.
There had been discussion concerning the forecast funding gap of £9.392m for
2025/26 and that the figure was likely to grow due to emerging pressures. The
Leader said that further reports considering the matter would be coming to Cabinet in
the next month.
The Section 151 Officer commented that the Vale of Glamorgan was a relatively low-
funded Authority and had set a relatively low level of Council Tax compared to other
Local Authorities which was a challenge with increasing costs, e.g. private sector
rents.
Committee discussed wide-ranging potential areas of action and recommended that
Cabinet consider investment in spend to save projects and potential for a strategic
procurement function. The Leader said that with regards spend to save, that was an
area relative to the Reshaping agenda and the comment would be referred into that
process. Regarding the strategic procurement function, the Leader said that the
Council was currently in an arrangement with other Local Authorities for a shared
procurement service and would pass that comment to Ardal.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations from the Extraordinary
Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October,
2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C154 CLOSURE OF ACCOUNTS 2023/24 (REF) –
The reference from the Extraordinary Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October, 2024 was presented.
Committee considered the year end revenue position and noted there being a
surplus of £2.08m at year end which was proposed to be transferred to reserves as
follows:
- Establish a new and temporary £2m reserve to offset Education Deficits in
2024/25 on a provisional basis whilst the Council worked with schools on
establishing a coordinated approach to tackling school deficits;
- The balance of £80k had been transferred to the General Fund.
The level of Useable Reserves had reduced in year although by less than had been
projected but some of those commitments had been slipped into 2024/25 in
accordance with Capital Expenditure slippage.
Committee asked Cabinet to consider the possibility of there being a dedicated
procurement officer for schools which would fit in with the financial support already
offered to schools, although procurement was now a matter being dealt with under a
joint agreement with Ardal. Officers would be asked to investigate the suggestion.
The financial position within schools was discussed and there was discussion and a
recommendation for further consideration to be given for Governing bodies to be
provided with further support and guidance regarding school budget deficits. The
Leader said that the school-based Finance Team did work with schools and would
be happy to assist Governing bodies, as well as other schools being able to offer
peer support.
Committee also asked for future closure of accounts reports to detail planned and
unplanned use of reserves more clearly, which the Head of Finance would look to
address in future reports.
RESOLVED – T H A T the comments and recommendations from the Extraordinary
Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee held on 2nd October,
2024 be noted, with detail passed to relevant Officers for consideration.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the reference and discussions at the meeting.
C155 CORPORATE PARENTING PANEL –
The minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on 8th July, 2024 were
presented.
The Cabinet Member, who was the Chair of the Panel, said that the Corporate
Parenting Charter had been considered at the meeting. It had been agreed that a
future workshop be organised in November for the Panel to look in detail at how to
meet all the relevant requirements.
The Panel also considered the latest Children Looked After figures for the Vale of
Glamorgan.
Councillor Williams noted that the minutes had not yet been formally agreed by the
Panel who would consider them at the November meeting and any amendments
would be brought back to Cabinet or would be considered as agreed if no comments
were received.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held
on 8th July, 2024 be noted, subject to consideration at the next Corporate Parenting
Panel in November 2024.
Reason for decision
In noting the minutes.
C156 CARDIFF BAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE –
The minutes of the Cardiff Bay Advisory Committee meeting held on 10th July, 2024
were presented.
The Cabinet Member, who was reappointed as the Chair of the Committee, said that
the Committee had discussed the Timetable of Meetings, navigational safety, a
general progress from the Harbour Authority and an update from Natural Resource
Wales on dissolved oxygen levels. There had been one minor pollution incident
which had been quickly resolved.
RESOLVED – T H A T the minutes of the Cardiff Bay Advisory Committee meeting
held on 10th July, 2024 be noted.
Reason for decision
In noting the minutes.
C157 APPOINTMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNORS ADVISORY
PANEL (REF) –
The minutes of the Appointment of Local Authority Governors Advisory Panel
meeting held on 9th October, 2024 were presented.
The Cabinet Member was pleased to see how many people had been prepared to
put time and effort into supporting local schools as Governors. There were currently
only two vacancies yet to be appointed. The Leader acknowledged the commitment
that Governors made in needing to understand matters such as safeguarding,
finance, school performance and thanked all those who had volunteered to take on
those roles.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the minutes of the Appointment of Local Authority Governors
Advisory Panel meeting held on 9th October, 2024 be noted.
(2) T H A T the following appointments be made to the schools as set out below:
School No. of Vacancies Appointment
All Saints CiW 1 None – remains vacant*
Cadoxton Primary 1 D. Stolzenberg
Cogan Primary 1 C. Shillabeer
Colcot Primary 1 J.D. Rogers
Cowbridge Comp 2 S. Blackman and D. Farrell
Dinas Powys Primary 1 N. Meredith
Evenlode Primary 2 A. Thomas and K. Nolan
Gladstone Primary School 1 Councillor P. Drake
High Street Primary 1 L. Banks
Holton Primary 2 J. Scott and S. Pengelly**
Jenner Park Primary 1 E. Ryles
Llangan Primary 1 E. Thomas
Llandough Primary 1 Councillor G.D.D. Carroll
Llanfair Primary 2 S. Bonnar and N. Phillips
Oakfield Primary 2 L. Banks and C. Hunt**
Pencoedtre High School 1 D. Carter
Peterston S Ely Primary 1 S. Evans
Rhws Primary 1 J. Nixon
Romilly Primary 2 M. Kennedy and C.
Withycombe
South Point Primary 1 B. Millhausen
St Cyres Comprehensive 4 H. Evans; Councillor C.P.
Franks; S. Pengelly and S.
Dowling
St Illtyd Primary 1 M. Evans
St Nicholas CiW 1 C. Hunt
St Richard Gwyn 2 D. Carter
One appointment made, one
vacancy remains*
Sully Primary 1 E. Parker
Whitmore High School 2 Councillor N. Marshallsea and
Councillor E. Goodjohn
Y Bont-faen 1 M. Evans
Ysgol Bro Morganwg 5 D. Griffith; G. Evans; H.
Llewellyn-Morgan; R. A. Evans
and S. Evans
Ysgol Pen Y Garth 1 R. Griffiths
Ysgol Sant Baruc 2 S. Evans and O. Williams
Reasons for decisions
(1) In noting the minutes.
(2) To endorse the appointments to be made to the schools.
C158 DRAFT CAPITAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND INITIAL
CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (EL/PR) (SCRUTINY
– CORPORATE PERFORMANCE AND RESOURCES) –
The Leader presented the report to gain approval for the Initial Capital Programme
Proposals for 2025/26 to 2029/30 so that they may be submitted to Scrutiny
Committees for consultation and to set out the Draft Capital Investment Strategy for
Cabinet Members to consider.
The Leader said it was important to be aware and have a clear idea of the costs of
new schemes considering significant pressures in relation to price inflation of
materials and labour, but that money had been put aside from reserves for some
matters within the programme as well as consideration given to other potential
funding such as borrowing, grants or s106 contributions.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T Draft Capital Strategy 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.
(2) T H A T the Initial Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30 be endorsed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the Draft Capital Strategy for 2025/26.
(2) To consult Members on the Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30.
C159 REVISED HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE THREE YEAR RESURFACING
PLAN 2024 - 2027 (NBS) (SCRUTINY – ENVIRONMENT AND REGENERATION) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report to advise Cabinet of the changes used to
identify priority locations for resurfacing works and to agree the plan for 2024 – 2027.
Councillor Wilson said it was important to remember that the highway included use
by cyclists and pedestrians as well as vehicles, including both roads and pavements.
He referred to Appendix B to the report concerning the new Highway Maintenance
Scoring Matrix which also included Active Travel routes as well as school / public
Transport routes.
There was £2.9M in the capital programme for 2024/25, for resurfacing and
treatment works such as surface dressing, micro asphalt treatment and footway
improvement works, as detailed in Appendices A-1 to A-4 to the report.
The Leader said it was important to look at the various criteria, how traffic affected
highways in different ways in different areas and looked forward to the discussion at
Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the contents of the revised Highway Maintenance Three Year
Resurfacing Plan 2024 – 2027, as attached at Appendix A – 1, 2, 3 and 4 be noted,
and the locations for resurfacing works be agreed in principle.
(2) T H A T the changes to the carriageway prioritisation scoring matrix to
incorporate active travel and cycle routes within the methodology be noted.
(3) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment and
Housing Services to amend the Plan, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Neighbourhood and Building Services, if urgent highway resurfacing priorities were
identified.
(4) T H A T the matter be referred to Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny
Committee for consideration.
(5) T H A T subject to no comments that would affect the Plan as proposed being
received from the Scrutiny Committee, the Highway Maintenance Three Year
Resurfacing Plan 2024 - 2027 be agreed.
(6) T H A T where a location was listed on the Plan, the Council’s technical
officers within the Highway Maintenance team would prioritise the full extents,
however only partial areas may be completed, simply to ensure the best allocation of
budget and that any material of sound condition was not removed and replaced with
new.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To agree, the Highway Maintenance Three Year Resurfacing Plan 2024 –
2027, subject to its consideration by the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny
Committee.
(2) To ensure that areas impacting on Active Travel and routes used by cyclists,
were properly considered.
(3) To deal efficiently with changes to the Plan should other highway routes
deteriorate more rapidly than expected or constraints dictate that a change in priority
was required to ensure the most cost-effective use of the budget allocation.
(4) To ensure that the relevant Scrutiny Committee could consider the details of
the Highway Maintenance Three Year Resurfacing Plan 2024 – 2027, prior to it
being formally agreed.
(5) To enable the final Plan to be approved following its consideration by the
relevant Scrutiny Committee should no comments that affect the Plan as proposed,
be received.
(6) To ensure that the Highway Resurfacing budget (2024/25), was utilised as
efficiently as possible.
C160 CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF SUPPORTED
ACCOMMODATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE VALE OF
GLAMORGAN (SCH) (SCRUTINY – HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL CARE) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report seeking authority to undertake a tender
process relating to the provision of the above services and sought delegated
authority to award the contract to the successful provider(s).
Councillor Williams gave thanks to all the staff involved in putting together the report
and for the work completed to be able to bring the matter forward for Cabinet to
consider as significant need had been identified in the Vale of Glamorgan and a lot
of work had been completed to put the matter forward for consideration. This was
echoed by fellow Cabinet Members.
The needs of the individuals within each of the three lots were quite different, hence
the need for the three different tenders.
The Leader said it was important work to avoid people in such circumstances feeling
alone at such a young age and important to be able to help them.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Social Care and Health, be authorised to undertake competitive tender
processes for the provision of shared temporary accommodation services for
vulnerable unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people, temporary
supported living accommodation for vulnerable children and young people, and
emergency supported lodgings for vulnerable young people in the Vale of
Glamorgan.
(2) T H A T the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Social Care and Health, be authorised to award the contract(s) for those
services for an initial period of 5 (five) years with an option to extend for up to a
further 2 (two) years, following the completion of a tender process.
(3) T H A T the Monitoring Officer / Head of Legal Services and the Head of
Finance / Section 151 Officer in the Vale of Glamorgan Council be authorised to
execute a contract with the successful Provider(s).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure that the Council provided shared temporary accommodation for
vulnerable unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people within the
Vale of Glamorgan in a cost-effective way that met the requirements of Welsh
Government UASC Guidance and the required standards of the Care Inspectorate
Wales (CIW).
(2) To ensure that the Council provided temporary supported living
accommodation and emergency supported lodging placements for vulnerable
children and young people within the Vale of Glamorgan in a cost-effective way that
met the requirements of Welsh Government Supported Living Guidance and the
required standards of the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).
(3) To ensure that the Council met the requirements of its Contract Procedure
Rules and Financial Procedure Rules.
C161 SHARED REGULATORY SERVICES (SRS) - AMENDMENT TO THE
JOINT WORKING AGREEMENT (JWA) (CEERS) (SCRUTINY – HOMES AND
SAFE COMMUNITIES) –
The Cabinet Member presented the report which recommended and sought approval
for a change to the Joint Working Agreement between the partner Councils for the
provision of Regulatory Services. The change would see the addition of the Public
Health (Wales) Act 2017 to the list of functions delegated to the Shared Regulatory
Services (SRS) Joint Committee.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
Cabinet, having considered the report and all the issues and implications contained
therein
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the proposed change to the Joint Working Agreement under a Deed
of Variation between the partner Councils for the provision of Regulatory Services be
endorsed and recommended the same to Full Council for consideration and
approval.
(2) T H A T the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services be
authorised to execute the required Deed of Variation reflecting the change when
approved by Full Council.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To ensure that appropriate approvals were sought in relation to the proposed
change to the Joint Working Agreement through the addition of the Public Health
Wales Act 2017 to the list of functions delegated to the Joint Committee and
contained in Part 1 to Schedule 1 of the Shared Regulatory Services Joint Working
Agreement to be agreed by all three partner Councils.
(2) To enable the proper execution of the Deed of Variation to reflect the change
within the Joint Working Agreement on approval by Full Council.
RESOLVED – T H A T the contents of the report be noted and the actions taken by
the Internal Audit Team following the further work undertaken be agreed.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED – T H A T in pursuance of the powers delegated to the Committee, the
following applications be determined as indicated and any other necessary action be
taken.
2019/01337/FUL Received on 5 December 2019
(P. 37)
APPLICANT: Tarmac Trading Ltd Regional House, Stancombe Quarry, Stancombe
Lane, Flax Bourton, Bristol, BS48 3QD
AGENT: Mr. Graham Jenkins SLR Consulting Ltd, Fulmar House, Beignon Close,
Ocean Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PB
Garwa Quarry, St. Mary Hill, Ruthin
Variation of Condition 3 – Time Limit 31/12/2019 - Extraction of carboniferous
limestone, Garwa Farm (Ref 382(Z)1341), 09/06/1070, as amended by Deepening of
quarry from 135ft. to 90ft. AOD (Ref 1048), as amended by revised working scheme
and end date Condition 3 (Ref. 97/00796/FUL).
No.
APPROVED – Subject to the conditions as contained within the report and subject to
an additional condition to HGV timing.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
2019/01340/FUL Received on 5 December 2019
(P. 37)
APPLICANT: Tarmac Trading Ltd Regional House, Stancombe Quarry, Stancombe
Lane, Flax Bourton, Bristol, BS48 3QD
AGENT: Mr. Graham Jenkins SLR Consulting Ltd, Fulmar House, Beignon Close,
Ocean Way, Cardiff, CF24 5PB
Ruthin Quarry, St. Mary Hill, Ruthin, Pencoed
Review of Old Mining Permissions – Resumption of operations and extension of time
limit.
APPROVED – Subject to the conditions as contained within the report and subject to
an additional condition to HGV timing.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
2024/00329/FUL Received on 22 April 2024
(P. 111)
APPLICANT: Welsh Education Partnership (WEPCo) and Cardiff and C/O Agent
AGENT: Mr Tobias Robinson Helmont House, Churchill Way, Cardiff, CF10 2HE
Land to the South of Blackton Lane and West of Port Road, Rhoose
Development at land to the south of Blackton Lane and west of Port Road for a new
Advanced Technology Centre for Cardiff and Vale College including landscaping,
related infrastructure and engineering works.
APPROVED – Subject to the conditions as contained within the report.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
No.
2024/00636/FUL Received on 31 July 2024
(P. 150)
APPLICANT: Mr Nick Wall 34 Smithies Avenue, Sully, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan,
CF64 5SS
AGENT: Mr Nick Wall 34 Smithies Avenue, Sully, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan,
CF64 5SS
34 Smithies Avenue, Sully
New dwelling under construction within curtilage of 34 Smithies Avenue
APPROVED – Subject to the conditions as contained within the report.
Reason for decision
Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions at the meeting.
RESOLVED: that
(a) it be noted that Cantonian High School is currently located within temporary accommodation and therefore it is important to bring forward the Fairwater Campus as a matter of urgency.
(b) all of the options as outlined in Confidential Annex 1, Appendix 1 be considered and agree to proceed with Option 7 to:
i) Novate the existing ISG contracts to a supply chain partner, as set out in Confidential Annex 1, Appendix 6 to enable urgent works to continue on site for a limited period of time and with limited scope whilst a tender is undertaken for the remaining works of Fairwater Campus.
ii) Commence the process for a tender exercise for the remaining works with immediate effect to complete Fairwater Campus with the least possible disruption.
(c) Subject to finalisation of and entry into the various agreements, it be agreed that the urgent option to proceed with, novating the existing ISG Construction Ltd contracts to a supply chain partner, with the intention for it to be for a limited timeframe and scope.
(d) Subject to agreeing (b) and (c) above, the ISG Construction Ltd enabling and main works contracts be terminated as outlined in Confidential Annex 1 & Appendix 2.
(e) authority be delegated to the Director for Education and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Cabinet Member for Finance, Chief Executive, Director for Economic Development, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer to:
i) agree an alternative option in the event that the novation of ISG Construction Ltd contracts fails to proceed with an existing supply chain partner and
ii) to determine and agree all aspects of the procurement process and the tender and appointment for a main contractor for the remaining works to complete Fairwater campus (Confidential Annex 1, Appendix 1 - Option 7) (including for the avoidance of doubt development of all procurement documentation and selection and award criteria, commencement of procurement through to award of contracts) and all ancillary matters (including but not limited to agreement of ancillary documents).
(f) subject to any final legal and financial advice, that the Council enters into the agreements necessary to implement the recommended urgent option including but not limited to any agreement with the administrator, contractor and sub-contractors.
(g) the Single Impact Assessment outlined in Annex 2 be noted.