Roads, potholes, parking, buses, cycling, walking and speed limits.
What councils do
Councils look after local roads and pavements, street lights, parking and road safety, and support bus services that wouldn't run otherwise. Motorways and trunk roads are the Welsh Government's.
Who decides
The Cabinet member for transport leads. Traffic orders, such as new speed limits or parking restrictions, are advertised before they're made.
Having a say
Report potholes and broken street lights to the council or through FixMyStreet. You can object to a proposed traffic order during its notice period.
In numbers
Welsh councils plan to spend £107 per person on this in 2026-27.
It ranges from £62 in Vale of Glamorgan to £166 in Anglesey.
People killed or seriously injured on the roads: 38 per 100,000 people across Wales (2025).
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.
APPLICATION GRANTED
6. 25/00517/VAR – RHIWBINA
7 Thornhill Road
Change of use of ground floor from Use Class A2 (estate agents) to a pizza takeaway and home delivery (A3 Use) with external alterations to the rear elevation including installation of cold storage unit and flue. (Approved 15 September 2015 - 15/00892/MNR):- Variation of Conditions 2 (Cooking Extraction and Condition) and 5 (Use) of 15/00892/MNR to amend the approved scheme as follows: 1) Use premises for fish and chip shop. 2) New extraction system to be installed.
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 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 overcharged for a journey from St Mary’s Street to Cathays and did not use the calibrated meter in order to determine the fare. There was also a double charge on the card used to pay for the journey.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that late on a Sunday night, he saw an intoxicated woman who wasn’t being allowed back into bars on St Mary’s Street being refused by other taxis. He could see that she was frustrated and wanted to help her get home. She said that she didn’t have enough cash and wasn’t sure how to use the card on her phone, so he passed her his phone with the payment app open so she could practise paying. She asked to give a £15 tip, which would mean paying around £25 for the journey rather than around £10. Her card was declined several times before it went through.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness disputed the driver’s version of events, emphasising that she had not asked to tip him and was entirely aware of how to pay by card using her phone. She had only realised the next morning that she had been charged two payments of £25.70, which she called her bank to cancel because they were still pending. The two payments were eight minutes apart, so it seemed that the driver had taken two separate payments at the start and end of the journey.
The Sub Committee asked the driver about the double payment and heard that this may have been a technical issue with the payment app he used due to the declined payments. There was no physical receipt to give the passenger as the app sent him a notification of payments the next day.
Members queried whether the driver had asked for payment before the journey began, which was not permitted for fares within Cardiff. The driver responded that he had tried to help the passenger because she wasn’t sure how to use her phone to pay. The witness reiterated that she knew how to use her phone to pay by card, and suggested that the driver had not passed her his phone.
The driver’s representative suggested that there was evidence of the card being declined several times, and that the witness might have accidentally paid twice while drunk. He added that the money taken out of her account had been returned, and suggested that an honest mistake had been made. The witness emphasised that she was certain she had not accidentally tapped it twice.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 14 days.
(2)
Application 2
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 had a relevant conviction.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the applicant stated that he expressed sincere regret about his past actions and took full responsibility for what he had done.
Members noted that the applicant had applied for a licence recently and was refused then, and asked what had changed. The applicant explained that he was working 60 to 70 hours a week to support his family as the cost of living was very high, and he could make more money driving taxis.
RESOLVED – that the application 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 had convictions contrary to the guidance.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the applicant stated that he was arrested after a policeman pulled him over while driving and saw a bag of drugs in the car. He emphasised that they were not his and that he had passed a drug test, but had received a caution for possession of a Class A drug.
He added that since this had all taken place, he had moved back home, gotten married and taken on new responsibilities, and was keen to drive taxis. He understood the gravity of the situation but felt he was a more responsible person now.
RESOLVED – that the application be refused.
(4)
Item 4 was deferred to the next meeting in the absence of the witness.
(5)
Application 5
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 drove his licensed vehicle in a dangerous manner and used demeaning language.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he was being accused of hitting a pedestrian and her luggage with his car. He explained that he had been working at the coach station when a coach came towards him so he had to pull into a parking bay on the side of the road. A woman was stood there with her luggage, so he beeped his horn and then rolled down his window and respectfully asked her to move.
He added that the woman then started shouting at him and accusing him of knocking over her luggage, before telling everyone else on the rank that he was a dangerous driver who had tried to hit her, which meant he got no business that night. He had driven taxis for 33 years and had been licensed in Cardiff for 26 years without any complaints being made against him, and emphasised that his car had not touched her luggage.
The Sub Committee viewed videos immediately following the incident provided by the witness. Members noted that the driver had cameras on the front and back of his vehicle and asked whether this footage was available. The driver explained that he normally deleted this after a week, and had not thought it was needed in this case as he was not contacted by the police.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness explained that she knew the area well and usually ordered a cab using her phone as the coach was getting in, before waiting in the same spot where there were several empty parking spaces. There was no pavement for pedestrians, only a muddy embankment, and she used a cane to help her walk.
She recalled that the taxi came by without stopping and without the driver asking her to move, and so she had to jump back to avoid being hit, with the car knocking her bags over. She asked the driver whether he had seen her and he said yes, so she asked why he had continued reversing, and he told her to shut up.
Both parties disputed whether or not the driver had beeped his horn or spoken to the witness before moving into the bay, and whether or not the taxi had knocked the luggage over. The driver’s representative acknowledged that the driver could have de-escalated the situation, and suggested that he keep the dashcam footage for longer than a week in the future.
RESOLVED – that no further action be taken.
(6)
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 / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had been issued with a caution by South Wales Police.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had been cautioned in 2022 for a public order offence against a former partner who had stalked him. He did not feel he posed any danger to members of the public, and had driven taxis since 2006 with no complaints made against him.
The Sub Committee asked why he had only declared the caution on his renewal form rather than as soon as it happened. The driver explained that he had mistakenly believed this was only required for convictions, and apologised for the oversight.
RESOLVED – that no further action be taken.
(7)
Application 7
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 the driver had declared a previous conviction.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had been cautioned for possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a small hammer which he had left on the seat of his taxi after using it to fix the wheelchair ramp.
He explained that a passenger had run off without paying after going from Cardiff to Cwmbran. The driver had waited outside his house for some time before speaking to someone else there, who persuaded the passenger to come out and pay up. The passenger claimed that he had followed him with a weapon and threatened him with it, so the driver called the police to explain.
The Sub Committee asked why the driver had not informed the licensing authority of the caution as soon as possible. The driver explained that he had emailed the council to inform them but had misspelt the email address.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
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.
2021/00075/FUL Received on 4 February 2021
(P. 48)
APPLICANT: Mr John Crockford 20 Gwern Close , Cardiff, CF5 6XL
AGENT: Mr Ieuan Williams Gate House, Beechwood Court, Long Toll, Woodcote,
RG8 0RR
Land West of St. Lythans
Two livestock buildings with access from highway.
APPROVED subject to the following condition(s):
1. The development shall begin no later than five years from the date of this
decision.
Reason:
To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990.
2. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following
approved plans and documents:
Noise Impact Assessment dated 9 September 2022, received 12 September
PL (00) 00 LOCATION PLAN
PL (00) 01 PROPOSED SITE LAYOUT (revised)
PL (00) 02 PROPOSED SITE CONTEXT (revised)
RAC9002-1 Livestock Buildings Elevations and layout
RAC9002-3 Visibility splay
Planning Application for Two Livestock Buildings and Access off the Highway
(redacted) dated October 2023
Received 12 January 2024
Green Infrastructure Statement received 21 June 2024
A Dispersion Modelling Study of the Impact of Odour dated 16 January 2025,
received 23 January 2025
Reason:
For the avoidance of doubt as to the approved development and to accord
with Circular 016:2014 on The Use of Planning Conditions for Development
Management.
3. Prior to the commencement of development, a method statement for the
removal and translocation of the hedgerow adjacent to the adopted highway
and as indicated in plan no. RAC9002-3 Visibility splay shall be submitted to
and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
Reason:
To ensure no detrimental impact to the wider visual amenities and to comply
with policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) and MD2 (Design of New
Development) of the adopted Local Development Plan.
4. No development or site clearance shall take place until there has been
submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority a
scheme of landscaping, calculated at a ratio of 3:1 for hedgerow planting, to
include detail of any additional planting, including native tree planting, their
location and species. The scheme shall include indications of all existing trees
(including spread and species) and hedgerows on the land, identify those to
be retained and set out measures for their protection throughout the course of
development.
Reason:
To safeguard local visual amenities, and to ensure compliance with the terms
of Policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy), SP10 (Built and Natural
Environment), MG17 (Special Landscape Areas), MD1 (Location of New
Development) and MD2 (Design of New Developments) of the Local
Development Plan.
5. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of
landscaping secured under conditions 3 and 4 shall be carried out in the first
planting and seeding seasons following the occupation of the buildings or the
completion of the development, whichever is the sooner; and any trees or
plants which within a period of 5 years from the completion of the
development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased
shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and
species.
Reason:
To ensure satisfactory maintenance of the landscaped area to ensure
compliance with Policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy), SP10 (Built and
Natural Environment), MG17 (Special Landscape Areas) and MD1 (Location
of New Development) of the Local Development Plan
6. Prior to the first beneficial use of the buildings hereby approved, the first 10m
of the access track adjacent to the adopted highway shall be finished in a
bound material and retained in perpetuity.
Reason:
To ensure no egress of loose material to the adopted highway and to comply
with policy MD2 (Design of New Development) of the adopted Vale of
Glamorgan Local Development Plan.
7. The access gate, adjacent to the public highway, shall open inwards and
away from the adopted highway and shall remain as such in perpetuity.
Reason:
To ensure no detrimental impact to highway safety and to comply with policy
MD2 (Design of New Development) of the Vale of Glamorgan Local
Development Plan.
8. The biodiversity enhancement measures set out in the Green Infrastructure
Statement (dated June 2024) shall be carried out in full prior to the first
beneficial occupation or use of the development and thereafter retained in
accordance with the approved details whilst the development remains in
existence.
Reason:
In the interests of ecology and to ensure compliance with Policies SP1
(Delivering the Strategy) and MD9 (Promoting Biodiversity) of the Local
Development Plan.
9. The development hereby approved shall be occupied and managed for the
lifetime of the development in accordance with the details as provided within
the 'Dispersion Modelling Study of the Impact of Odour', received 23 January
2025.
Reason
To protect neighbouring amenities from odour and to ensure compliance with
policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) and MD2 (Design of New Development)
of the Local Development Plan.
10. Prior to the commencement of development, a programme for the
management of all forms of waste shall be submitted to and approved in
writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out
in accordance with the approved details for the lifetime of the development
hereby approved.
Reason:
To ensure no detrimental impact to nearby habitats, watercourses and the
balance of species within them and to comply with policy SP1 (Delivering the
Strategy) of the adopted Local Development Plan.
Reason for decision
The decision to recommend planning permission has been taken in accordance with
Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which requires that,
in determining a planning application the determination must be in accordance with
the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The
Development Plan for the area comprises the Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Local
Development Plan 2011-2026 and Future Wales – the National Plan 2040.
Having regard to Policies SP1 – Delivering the Strategy, SP9 – Minerals, SP10 –
Built and Natural Environment, MG17 – Special Landscape Areas, MG22 –
Development in Minerals Safeguarding Areas, MD1 - Location of New Development,
MD2 - Design of New Development, MD7 - Environmental Protection, MD9 -
Promoting Biodiversity and MD17 - Rural Enterprise of the Local Development Plan,
Future Wales – the National Plan 2040, Planning Policy Wales and the relevant
Technical Advice Notes and Supplementary Guidance, the development is
considered acceptable in respect of the principle of its location, neighbour amenity,
highway safety, visual and landscape amenity and in all other respects.
Having regard to the Council’s duties under the Equality Act 2010 the proposed
development does not have any significant implications for, or effect on, persons
who share a protected characteristic.
It is considered that the decision complies with the Council’s well-being objectives
and the sustainable development principle in accordance with the requirements of
the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
The appropriate marine policy documents have been considered in the determination
of this application in accordance with Section 59 of the Marine and Coastal Access
Act 2009.
2021/00852/FUL Received on 17 June 2021
(P. 87)
APPLICANT: Filco Supermarkets 19 Boverton Road, Llantwit Major, CF61 1XZ
AGENT: Mr Peter Lee P J Lee Architect LTD, 2, Court Road, Bridgend, CF31 1BN
Filco, 2, High Street, Cowbridge
Proposed ground floor extension to the Filco Foodstore and External Alterations at
2 High Street and Proposed conversion and extension of redundant 1st floor retail
storage space into office accommodation with rear terrace roof garden and
associated steps and external alterations at 4 High Street
APPROVED subject to the following condition(s):
1. The development shall begin no later than five years from the date of this
decision.
Reason:
To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990.
2. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following
approved plans and documents:
15090 SV 00 003 Topographic survey
15090 SV 00 010 Existing Ground Floor plan
15090 SV 00 011 Existing First Floor plan
15090 SV 00 015 Existing Roof plan
15090 SV 00 031 Section A
15090 SV 00 032 Section B
15090 SV 00 033 Section C
15090 SV 00 041 Existing front Elevation
15090 SV 00 042 Existing Rear Elevation
15090 SV 00 043 Existing N.2 Side Elevation
15090 SV 00 044 Existing N.4 Side Elevation
Received 17 June 2021
17460 PL 01 -C Design and Access Statement (except for drawing numbers)
received 9 April 2024
17460 PL 01-C Heritage Impact Assessment received 29 April 2024
Proposed Site & Ground Floor 17460 PL 00110F
Proposed First Floor 17460 PL 00111E
Proposed First Floor Level 17460 PL 70111E
Proposed Roof Plan 17460 PL 00115D
Proposed Section A-A 17460 PL 00131D
Proposed Rear Elevation EV 03 17460 PL 00143E
Proposed Side Elevation EV 04 17460 PL 00144E
Extension Facade - Section Profiles 17460 PL 20401B
Received 14 May 2024
17460 PL 00 142 G PROPOSED FRONT ELEVATION EV 02
17460 PL 00 101 DRAWING INDEX – Site Location Plan
17460 PL 00 141 J PROPOSED SIDE ELEVATION EV 01
Received 18 July 2024
Reason:
For the avoidance of doubt as to the approved development and to accord
with Circular 016:2014 on The Use of Planning Conditions for Development
Management.
3. No part of the first floor of the premises shall be used for residential uses
falling within use classes C3, C5 or C6 (including any other purpose in class C
of the schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987
(or in any provision equivalent to that class in any statutory instrument
revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification).
Reason:
Due to the flood risk identified on the site and to ensure compliance with the
terms of Policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) and MD1 (Location of New
Development) of the Local Development Plan.
4. Notwithstanding the submitted details, prior their use on site, a schedule and
samples of materials to be used in the construction of the development,
including RAL colours for paint finishes, hereby approved, shall be submitted
to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development
shall be completed in accordance with the approved details.
Reason:
To safeguard local visual amenities, as required by Policies SP1 (Delivering
the Strategy), MD2 (Design of New Development), SP10 (Built and Natural
Environment) and MD8 (Historic Environment) of the Local Development Plan.
5. Notwithstanding the submitted plans and details, prior to the commencement
of development, details of the proposed windows and doors, including section
drawings of a minimum 1:10 including elevations, vertical and horizontal
sections with larger scale details to sufficiently describe the proposed units,
shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
The development shall be completed in accordance with the approved details
and shall thereafter be so retained.
Reason:
To safeguard the wider visual amenities of the conservation area, as required
by Policies SP10 (Built and Natural Environment) and MD8(Historic
Environment) of the Local Development Plan.
6. The rooflights hereby approved shall be installed as flush fitting Conservation
Style rooflights.
Reason:
To preserve the character of the Conservation Area and to comply with
policies SP10 (Built and Natural Environment) and MD8 (Historic
Environment) of the adopted Local Development Plan.
7. Notwithstanding the submitted plans and details, prior to the commencement
of development, full details of the louvres, including a section drawing 1:20,
shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.
The louvres shall be completed in accordance with the approved details and
shall thereafter be so retained.
Reason:
To safeguard both neighbouring privacy and the visual amenities of the
conservation area, as required by Policies MD2 (Design of New
Development), SP10 (Built and Natural Environment) and MD8 (Historic
Environment) of the Local Development Plan.
8. Any part of the staff room window that is below 1.7m in height above the level
of the floor in the room that it serves shall be obscurely glazed to a minimum
of level 3 of the "Pilkington" scale of obscuration and fixed pane at the time of
installation, and so retained at all times thereafter.
Reason:
To ensure that the privacy and amenities of adjoining occupiers are
safeguarded, and to ensure compliance with Policies SP1 (Delivering the
Strategy) and MD2 (Design of New Developments) of the Local Development
Plan.
9. The flat roof areas of the proposed development shall not be used as a
storage area, balcony, roof garden or similar amenity area.
Reason:
To ensure that the privacy and amenities of adjoining occupiers are
safeguarded, and to ensure compliance with Policies SP1 (Delivering the
Strategy) and MD2 (Design of New Developments) of the Local Development
Plan.
10. The biodiversity enhancement measures set out in plan ref: pl 00111
'Proposed First Floor Plan' shall be carried out in full prior to the first beneficial
occupation or use of the development and thereafter retained in accordance
with the approved details whilst the development remains in existence.
Reason:
In the interests of ecology and to ensure compliance with Policies SP1
(Delivering the Strategy) and MD9 (Promoting Biodiversity) of the Local
Development Plan.
11. No development shall commence, including any works of demolition, until a
Construction Environment Management Plan (CEMP) has been submitted to,
and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority. The CEMP shall
include the following details:
i) the parking of vehicles of site operatives and visitors;
ii) loading and unloading of plant and materials;
iii) storage of plant and materials used in constructing the development;
iv) the erection and maintenance of security hoarding including decorative
displays and facilities for public viewing, where appropriate;
v) wheel washing facilities;
vi) measures to control and mitigate the emission of dust, smoke, other
airborne pollutants and dirt during construction;
vii) a scheme for recycling/disposing of waste resulting from demolition and
construction works.
viii) hours of construction;
ix) lighting;
x) management, control and mitigation of noise and vibration;
xi) odour management and mitigation;
xii) diesel and oil tank storage areas and bunds;
xiii) how the developer proposes to accord with the Considerate Constructors
Scheme (www.considerateconstructorsscheme.org.uk) during the course of
the construction of the development; and
xiii) a system for the management of complaints from local residents which will
incorporate a reporting system.
xiv) details of how the adjacent watercourse and any habitats will be
safeguarded during construction.
The construction of the development shall be undertaken in accordance with
the approved CEMP.
Reason:
To ensure that the construction of the development is undertaken in a
neighbourly manner and in the interests of the protection of amenity and the
environment and to ensure compliance with the terms of Policy / Policies SP1
(Delivering the Strategy) / MD7 (Environmental Protection) of the Local
Development Plan.
12. No development or any demolition shall take place until a method statement
has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning
Authority, which shall include:
i) Details of development and construction methods (to include details of any
scaffolding and their location) and measures to be taken to minimise the
impact of any works on the adjacent river and its habitats;
ii) Details on how the river will be protected from both direct pollution and
indirect via run-off and any migrated materials from the site;
iii) Details of construction hours;
iv) Details on any lighting, which should ensure that the river is unlit in the
evenings and overnight to allow passage of Otters and European Eels.
The proposed development shall be completed in accordance with the
approved method statement and shall be retained at all times in accordance
with the approved details.
Reason:
In the interests of ecology and to ensure compliance with Policies SP1
(Delivering the Strategy) and MG19 (Sites and Species of European
Importance) of the Local Development Plan.
13. No surface water from any increase in the roof area of the building /or
impermeable surfaces within its curtilage shall be allowed to drain directly or
indirectly to the public sewerage system.
Reason:
To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system, to protect the
health and safety of existing residents and ensure no pollution of or detriment
to the environment and to comply with policy SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) of
the Local Development Plan.
14. No development shall take place until the applicant, or their agents or
successors in title, has secured agreement for a written scheme of historic
environment mitigation which has been submitted by the applicant and
approved by the local planning authority. Thereafter, the programme of work
will be fully carried out in accordance with the requirements and standards of
the written scheme.
Reason:
To identify and record any features of archaeological interest discovered
during the works, in order to mitigate the impact of the works on the
archaeological resource and to comply with policy SP1 (Delivering the
Strategy) of the Local Development Plan.
Reason for decision
The decision to recommend planning permission has been taken in accordance with
Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which requires that,
in determining a planning application the determination must be in accordance with
the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The
Development Plan for the area comprises the Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Local
Development Plan 2011-2026 and Future Wales – the National Plan 2040.
Having regard to Policies SP1 – Delivering the strategy, SP4 – Affordable Housing
Provision, SP6 – Retail, SP10 – Built and Natural Environment, MG12 – Retail
Hierarchy, MG14 – Non A1 Retail Uses within Town and District Retail Centres, MD2
- Design of New Development, MD5 – Development Within Settlement Boundaries,
MD7 – Environmental Protection, MD8 – Historic Environment and MD9 Promoting
Biodiversity of the Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Local Development Plan 2011- 2026,
and the advice contained within the Council’s Supplementary Planning Guidance on
Residential and Householder Development (2018), Parking Standards (2019),
Cowbridge Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, Future Wales: The
National Plan 2040, Chapter 3 – Strategic and Spatial Choices Planning Policy
Wales 12th Edition (2024), and Technical Advice Note 12- Design (2016), 15 –
Development and Flood Risk (2004), 24 – The Historic Environment (2017), the
development is considered acceptable in terms of its principle, scale, design and
visual impact, as well as its impact on neighbours, flooding, parking provision and
biodiversity enhancement provision.
It is considered that the decision complies with the Council’s well-being objectives
and the sustainable development principle in accordance with the requirements of
the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
The appropriate marine policy documents have been considered in the determination
of this application in accordance with Section 59 of the Marine and Coastal Access
Act 2009.
2024/00832/FUL Received on 16 September 2024
(P. 125)
APPLICANT: Mrs Bevan 30 Forge Road, Port Talbot, Glamorgan, SA13 1NU
AGENT: Mr Geraint John Office 16 (House 1, 2nd Floor), The Maltings, East Tyndall
Street, Cardiff, CF24 5EA
Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, 9 Boverton Road, Llantwit Major
Application for the change of use from Lloyds Bank (A2) to Dominos (A3)
APPROVED subject to the following condition(s):
1. The development shall begin no later than five years from the date of this
decision.
Reason:
To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990.
2. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the following
approved plans and documents:
14015-AEW-PJ006011-00-DR-0003
14015-AEW-PJ006011-00-DR-PRELIM-0001
14015-AEW-PJ006011-XX-DR-0004
14015-AEW-PJ006011-XX-DR-0006
14015-AEW-PJ006011-XX-SP-0001
Reason:
For the avoidance of doubt as to the approved development and to accord
with Circular 016:2014 on The Use of Planning Conditions for Development
Management.
3. The biodiversity enhancement measures set out in Green Infrastructure
Statement shall be carried out in full prior to the first beneficial occupation or
use of the development and thereafter retained in accordance with the
approved details whilst the development remains in existence.
Reason:
In the interests of ecology and to ensure compliance with Policies SP1
(Delivering the Strategy) and MD9 (Promoting Biodiversity) of the Local
Development Plan.
4. No construction work associated with the development hereby approved shall
take place on the site on any Sunday or Bank Holiday or on any other day
except between the following hours:
Monday to Friday 0800 – 1800
Saturday 0800 – 1800
Unless such work is:
(a) associated with an emergency (relating to health and safety or
environmental issues);
(b) carried out with the prior written approval of the Local Planning Authority.
Reason:
To safeguard the amenities of local residents, and to ensure compliance with
the terms of Policy / Policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) / MD7
(Environmental Protection) of the Local Development Plan.
5. Prior to beneficial use of the premises as hereby approved, the equipment to
control the emission of fumes and odour from the premises shall be installed
in accordance with approved details Specification and EMAQ Report Quote
reference EH30926; 14015-AEW-PJ006011-XX-DR-0004 / 14015-AEW-
PJ006011-XX-SP-0001. All equipment installed as part of the scheme shall
thereafter be operated and maintained in accordance with the approved
details for as long as the use continues.
Reason
To ensure that the amenities of occupiers of other premises in the vicinity are
safeguarded and to ensure the development accords with Policy / Policies
SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) / MD7 (Environmental Protection) of the Local
Development Plan.
6. No staff shall be on site outside the hours of 07:00 to 00:00 Monday to
Sundays.
Reason:
To safeguard residential amenity, and to ensure compliance with the terms of
Policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy) / MD2 (Design of New Developments)
and MD7 (Environmental Protection) of the Local Development Plan.
7. The use hereby permitted shall not be open to pick up customers or delivery
drivers outside of the following hours:
07:00 to 23:00 on Monday to Sunday
Reason:
To safeguard residential amenity and to ensure compliance with the terms of
Policy MD2 (Design of New Development) and MD7 (Environmental
Protection) of the adopted Local Development Plan.
8. The premises shall be used for hot food takeaway and for no other purpose
(including any other purpose in class A3 of the schedule to the Town and
Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (or in any provision equivalent to
that class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that order with
or without modification).
Reason:
To control the precise nature of the use of the site, and to ensure compliance
with the terms of Policies SP1 (Delivering the Strategy), MD2 (Design of New
Developments), MD5 (Development Within Settlement Boundaries) and MD7
(Environmental Protection) of the Local Development Plan.
9. Within 6 weeks of the first operation of the extraction units hereby approved, a
post installation noise assessment shall be undertaken. Details of the test
results shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority within 14 days of the
test date together with any details of mitigation should the units not achieve
the required overall rating figure of -10dB below the background noise level
(L90) at 1 metre from the boundary of the nearest noise sensitive receptor at
day and night. Any mitigation identified within the submission shall be
undertaken within 14 days of the date of submission of the results with further
acoustic measurements submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval
in writing.
Reason:
To safeguard residential amenity and to ensure compliance with the terms of
Policy MD2 (Design of New Development) and MD7 (Environmental
Protection) of the adopted Local Development Plan.
Reason for decision
The decision to recommend planning permission has been taken in accordance with
Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, which requires that,
in determining a planning application the determination must be in accordance with
the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The
Development Plan for the area comprises the Vale of Glamorgan Adopted Local
Development Plan 2011-2026 and Future Wales – the National Plan 2040.
RESOLVED: that
1. the extension of the existing Passenger Transport Dynamic Procurement Process from 31st August 2025 to 31st March 2028 be approved to enable contracts to be awarded via the DPS until 31st March 2028.
2. subject to the future budget allocation an increase of the value of contracts to be allocated via the DPS from £138.8 million to a total value of £170.8 million. This revised amount will cover the value of all new contracts allocated from 1st September 2018 until the expiry date of the contracts up to 31st August 2032.
3. Authority be delegated to the Director of Planning Transport and Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Members and Directorate budget holders for Education, Children’s and Adult Services, to procure and deliver contracts subject to budget being available.
4. It be noted that if the budget requirement exceeds the current allocation available having considered the availability of external funding or in year efficiencies then this will need to be brought back to Cabinet for approval as part of the budget setting process.
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
5a 24/02821/FUL - HEATH
129 Caerphilly Road
Change of use of vacant retail unit (A1 use class) into restaurant and takeaway (A3 use Class) including installation of extraction flue system to rear.
The application was granted.
5b 22/03050/FUL - GRANGETOWN
Hafan, Ferry Road
Retention of 52 temporary residential homes, ancillary community buildings and associated works.
The application was granted.
Cardiff, Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee,
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 –
(1) T H A T the report and appendices, together with the views of the Governance
and Audit Committee, be noted.
(2) T H A T the Council’s response to the Panel Performance Assessment be
approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) Having regard to the contents of the report, the views of the Governance and
Audit Committee and the discussions held at the meeting.
(2) To comply with the requirement for the Council to publish its response and
action upon recommendations arising from the Panel Performance Assessment.
VALE 2030 – DRAFT VALE OF GLAMORGAN CORPORATE PLAN 2025-30 (REF)
The Leader presented the draft Corporate Plan which had been shared with all
Scrutiny Committees and subject to significant consultation. They outlined there
were five well-being objectives which would help both the residents, Council and
partners to improve well-being in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Leader drew attention
to two key elements of the report, the first being what had changed as a result of
consultation, and secondly, how the Council would work with partners in the future.
Councillor Carroll did not feel that the Corporate Plan would improve performance,
as there was not an emphasis on providing the best service for the best price, a
concern that he had previously raised at Corporate Performance and Resources
Scrutiny Committee. He stated that the Plan’s focus should be on improving
productivity and ensuring value for money, and referenced that equality, diversity,
and inclusion were mentioned a significant amount of times.
Councillor Haynes indicated that he found the document disturbing. He stated that
what was happening in St. Athan, such as building on land, was against this
strategy, and believed placemaking should be the priority.
Councillor Hooper reflected that there was a huge value in diversity, which the
Council should be supporting. He felt blanket statements around equalities and
productivity were false and could not be applied to public sector. He also
emphasised the need to reshape services and the need to do the same things more
efficiently.
Councillor Wilson stated that he felt the Plan reflected the values of the Council, and
there were lots of references to operational services such as recycling, waste and
green spaces. He shared that he was proud of the Corporate Plan which was
ambitious to residents.
Councillor Dr. Johnson acknowledged that there had been a number of iterations of
the Plan, which was better for it. He felt the Plan was ambitious in achieving its aims
and objectives, and that the challenge would be in delivering this Plan. He stated
that there needed to be clear financial resources to achieve its aims, and hopefully in
five years the Council would be able to say it had achieved the objectives of the
Plan. He also stated that there needed to be alignment between the Corporate Plan
objectives and scrutiny structure. Councillor Dr. Johnson also reflected on previous
comments surrounding equalities and suggested that this incorrect information may
be due to a misarticulation of the Equality Impact Assessment information and
advised that better analysis should be undertaken before presenting as fact.
Councillor Sivagnanam was very proud to support an ambitious Plan with how the
Council supported residents, believed this would help to create a more equal Vale of
Glamorgan, what was the focus on helping the most disadvantaged. She also
reflected upon some of the Council's work on improvement equality such as its Age
Friendly status and Her Voice Wales project.
Councillor John was delighted to support the Plan and urged people to read it as it
contains a lot of information. He also offered thanks to officers.
Councillor Cave shared that they did not feel things in the in the Council were even
more equal. For example, the building on green sites despite opposition and the
inability to replace the village hall roof. They also reflected upon the need to use
technology to improve services.
Councillor Hodges stated that a Corporate Plan required funding, and was
concerned that the economy was not improving to support. He felt that tourism tax
and devolving the Crown Estate were opportunities to increase funding.
Councillor Perry highlighted the limited investment in the future such as green
technology and active travel. He also identified rural poverty, which existed in the
Vale. He felt the Town and Community Councils could be doing more and taking on
additional responsibilities. Councillor Perry also questioned if the Plan was adding
value or if this would be delivered anyway. He also emphasised the need for more
diversity and increased opinions, including communicating cross party, as there were
talented people who could influence policy.
The Leader responded that there were a range of unique services delivered by the
Council, which would cost significant sums to deliver, so they were not able to be
outsourced. They also shared a Place Making Toolkit which could be used by all
Members to support placemaking within communities. The Leader also
acknowledge that not all Members’ talents were being utilised and considered this a
key part of scrutiny proposals, and emphasised that the Plan and all Members
needed to be ambitious for the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan.
A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report,
as follows:
Members For Against Abstain
Anne Asbrey √
Julie Aviet √
Gareth Ball √
Rhiannon Birch √
Bronwen Brooks √
Gillian Bruce √
Ian Buckley √
Lis Burnett √
Samantha Campbell √
George Carroll √
Christine Cave √
Charles Champion
Janice Charles √
Millie Collins √
Marianne Cowpe √
Pamela Drake √
Vincent Driscoll √
Anthony Ernest √
Christopher Franks √
Wendy Gilligan √
Russell Godfrey √
Emma Goodjohn √
Ewan Goodjohn √
Stephen Haines √
Sally Hanks √
William Hennessy √
Nic Hodges √
Mark Hooper √
Catherine Iannucci-Williams √
Gwyn John √
Dr. Ian Johnson √
Susan Lloyd-Selby √
Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √
Julie Lynch-Wilson √
Kevin Mahoney √
Naomi Marshallsea √
Michael Morgan √
Jayne Norman √
Helen Payne √
Sandra Perkes √
Ian Perry √
Joanna Protheroe √
Ruba Sivagnanam √
Carys Stallard √
Neil Thomas √
Rhys Thomas √
Steffan Wiliam √
Margaret Wilkinson √
Eddie Williams √
Mark Wilson √
Nicholas Wood √
TOTAL 37 13
The vote being carried, it was
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Vale 2030 draft Corporate Plan (Appendix A to the report) be
approved.
(2) T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Corporate
Resources, in consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for
Performance and Resources, to make any factual updates to the content of the Plan
prior to publication (for example, information relating to budgetary information).
Reasons for decisions
(1) Having regard to the contents of the report and discussions held at the
meeting.
(2) To ensure the Corporate Plan, ‘Vale 2030’ when published, contained the
most up to date information available (for example information regarding the budget
for 2025-26).
N.B. Councillor Champion was not present for the vote.
CAPITAL STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMME 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF)
The Leader outlined the proposed strategy for the Capital Programme which had
been developed on the basis of varying factors such as annual settlements, capital
receipts and the impact of the wider labour market. They outlined that the proposal
was a mixture of grant and borrowing, and an increase from previous years, which
was expected to be £434m in the coming years, of which a significant proportion
related to schools and housing.
Councillor Dr. Johnson indicated support for the Capital Strategy with the majority
belonging to building Council housing or schools, which Plaid Cymru supported. He
reflected upon the challenge of year-on-year confirmation from Welsh Government
surrounding funding making it a challenge to plan for the future.
Councillor Perkes welcomed the Strategy as housing was key, and there had been
significant achievements, such as the building of 82 new homes, and the upcoming
partnership with Cardiff Council, which offered the opportunity to build more for less.
They shared that they felt a decent life was the first step to success in life.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Capital Strategy 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report,
be approved.
(2) T H A T the final Capital Programme for the years 2025/26 to 2029/30, as set
out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.
(3) T H A T Officers be granted delegated authority to vire £10k or below between
schemes that were already approved within the five year Capital Programme.
(4) T H A T the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance / Section 151 Officer, in
consultation with the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and
Resources, be granted delegated authority to make additions, deletions or transfers
to or from the:
i. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Housing Improvement Programme as appropriate.
ii. 2025/26 to 2029/30 Asset Renewal budgets as appropriate.
iii. S106 funded schemes subject to Member consultation as required
under the existing process.
iv. Decarbonisation Schemes.
v. Building Strong Communities Fund schemes.
vi. Sustainable Communities for Learning programme.
vii. Discretionary Adaption Grant Schemes.
viii. Vale Regeneration Schemes.
ix. Shared Prosperity Fund.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To approve the Capital Strategy for 2025/26.
(2) To set and approve future Capital Programmes to 2029/30.
(3) To enable officers to progress schemes more quickly where low value
virements below £10k were required.
(4) To enable the Housing Improvement Programme budget, Asset Renewal
budgets, S106 schemes, Decarbonisation Schemes, Building Stronger Communities
Fund, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, Discretionary Adaption
Grant Schemes, Vale Regeneration schemes and Shared Prosperity Fund to be
managed effectively.
TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2025/26 AND UPDATE FOR 2024/25 (REF)
The Leader presented an overview of treasury management as the need to
demonstrate financial sustainability was important, and that Members should have
recently undertaking training surrounding this area. They shared around revised
estimates in expenditure, and wider prudential indicators, and outlined the Council’s
borrowing position and wider investments.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the revised policy for making Minimum Revenue Provision from
2024/25 onwards be approved.
(2) T H A T the proposed 2025/26 Treasury Management and Investment
Strategy be approved, including the following specific resolutions (detailed in
Appendix 2 to the report):
• The Authorised Limit for External Debt be set at £265.394m for
2024/25, £296.207m for 2025/26, £331.078m for 2026/27 and
£381.753m for 2027/28.
• The Operational Boundary for External Debt be set at £244.170m for
2024/25, £263.914m for 2025/26, £297.677m for 2026/27 and
£347.407m for 2027/28.
• The Head of Finance/Section 151 Officer be given delegated authority
within the total Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary as
estimated for individual years to effect movement between the
separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long-term liabilities.
• An upper limit of £0m for 2024/25, £10m in 2025/26, £10m in 2026/27
and £10m in 2027/28 be set for total principal sums invested for over
364 days.
• The amount of projected borrowing that was fixed rate maturing in each
period as a percentage of total projected borrowing that was fixed rate
be set as shown below (and further detailed in Appendix 1 to the
report).
Table 1 – Upper and lower Limits for fixed rate borrowing
Upper Limit Lower Limit
Under 12 months 20% 0%
12 months and within 24 months 40% 0%
24 months and within 5 years 40% 0%
5 years and within 10 years 40% 0%
10 years and above 100% 0%
• Any breaches of the Prudential Indicators would be reported through to the
next meeting of Cabinet, with the exception of the Authorised Limit for
External Debt which would require prior Full Council approval.
(3) T H A T the Treasury Management Policy Statement set out in Appendix 3 to
the report be approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To agree the basis of the Minimum Revenue Provision calculation for 2024/25
onwards.
(2) In order for the Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy as
prepared be approved as required by the Local Government Act 2003.
(3) In order for the Treasury Management Policy Statement to be approved.
DRAFT BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF)
The Leader presented an overview of the proposed budget for 2025/26, and shared
that this was based on the settlement received from Welsh Government, which is the
second lowest per head in Wales. They outlined that the proposed increase in
Council Tax was 5.9%, which is generally lower than the Welsh average for the
upcoming year, and a percentage point less than consulted upon due to late
changes in the settlement from Welsh Government. They outlined how Schools and
Social Care are still allocated the majority (71%) of the budget, but that these areas
need to be supported and align the Corporate Plan’s well-being objectives of “Best
Start in Life” and “Supporting the Most Vulnerable”. They also reflected that there is
still a budget gap, which will need to be supported by transformational activity (via
Reshaping programme) and a series of savings, which are supported by equality
impact assessments, that reserves continue to be held in accordance with legislation
and that they will continue to work with Welsh Government surrounding future multi-
year settlements to support longer term planning.
Councillor Dr. Johnson thanked staff for work on supporting a complex budget and to
WLGA in their lobbying role. They also highlighted how the budget proposed
spending increases and cuts to non-statutory services, emphasising that they felt
austerity was not over. They indicated that the future reorganisation of Scrutiny was
essential in monitoring resources and financial proposals moving forward and
indicated that the settlement for the Fire and Rescue Service should be undertaken
separately as they were responsible for their own budgets, in a similar means to
Town and Community Council currently set their budgets.
Councillor Carroll indicated that they felt the budget was a reflection of
mismanagement, with residents paying “more for less”, such as car parking and
waste collection. They also felt that the Council were focusing upon the wrong things
such as bureaucratic work and diversity, equality and inclusion, and not its core
purpose. They also believed that the proposed budget would have a negative impact
to residents, and that the increase proposed was above CPI. They further explained
that they felt the issue of productivity was not being taken seriously, and that
efficiencies need to be identified as the Council has lost control of its finances, needs
a change in administration and should use its reserves to keep the Council Tax rate
low.
Councillor Franks felt that there has been a failure from the Administration in
lobbying for an increase settlement, and more needed to be done to influence
government as to how the Council could have the required budget to meet its needs.
They queried if savings had been properly costed and impact assessed, as he felt
this budget had failed to convince the public surrounding its robustness and value.
They also questioned the longer-term sustainability of the budget and cited the
proposed reduction in the education as a concern.
Councillor Goodjohn shared that the budget in theory was a real terms increase in
Council spend, and that it was necessary for the Council to fund changes impacted
by an aging population and additional learning needs, as there needed to be a
significant improvement in public services.
Councillor Hooper queried how car parking charges proposals were reflected within
the budget, as it was still in a consultative stage, and emphasised the impact to local
businesses and communities. They indicated how they believed this was an austerity
budget reflective of wider Welsh Government and UK Government positions. They
also reflected upon the importance of Council’s role in supporting diversity, equality
and inclusion.
Councillor Hodges highlighted the potential 700,000 disabled people who may go
into poverty due to welfare reform, and how the Council would need to support these
people. They raised the issue of a lack of A&E facility within the County, impacting
upon people’s health, and expressed how Welsh Government were struggling to
come to terms with issues as highlighted through the budget. They also expressed
limited faith in opposition leadership, as he felt comments to be disingenuous.
Councillor Perry indicated that they felt we were still living in austerity and seeing
rises in poverty. They expressed that recent reductions to overseas aid budgets
highlighted how it was easy to pick on vulnerable people. They raised that they felt
Council Tax to be regressive and impacted less well-off people more. They also
stated that there needed to be more planning for the future and consideration of the
new ideas and technologies.
Councillor Wilson indicated that the Council was productive, reflecting upon class
size ratios and social care workloads, and indicated that the Council was not a
sweatshop environment with bizarre productivity targets. They shared that removing
bins did not have a catastrophic impact and it only affected a small number of bins
(approximately 160) where they were looking at recycling bins, whereas changes to
care might have a more significant impact and emphasised that Cabinet were trying
to transform the Council to be as effective and efficient as possible.
The Leader responded that any changes to how the process for the Fire and Rescue
Service worked would be minimal and have no material impact to residents, whilst
sharing around the lobbying work undertaken at National level, such as appearing at
Committees. They agreed that future Scrutiny arrangements would help with some of
the queries raised, as the review was focused upon outcomes. The Leader finally
reflected that working with the local MP in partnership had helped raised awareness
of reporting mechanisms for pot holes.
A recorded vote took place on the recommendations as contained within the report
as follows:
Members For Against Abstain
Anne Asbrey √
Julie Aviet √
Gareth Ball √
Rhiannon Birch √
Bronwen Brooks √
Gillian Bruce √
Ian Buckley √
Lis Burnett √
Samantha Campbell √
George Carroll √
Christine Cave √
Janice Charles √
Millie Collins √
Marianne Cowpe √
Pamela Drake √
Vincent Driscoll √
Anthony Ernest √
Christopher Franks √
Wendy Gilligan √
Russell Godfrey √
Emma Goodjohn √
Ewan Goodjohn √
Stephen Haines √
Sally Hanks √
William Hennessy √
Nic Hodges √
Mark Hooper √
Catherine Iannucci-Williams √
Gwyn John √
Dr. Ian Johnson √
Susan Lloyd-Selby √
Belinda Loveluck-Edwards √
Julie Lynch-Wilson √
Kevin Mahoney √
Naomi Marshallsea √
Michael Morgan √
Jayne Norman √
Helen Payne √
Sandra Perkes √
Ian Perry √
Joanna Protheroe √
Ruba Sivagnanam √
Carys Stallard √
Neil Thomas √
Rhys Thomas √
Steffan Wiliam √
Margaret Wilkinson √
Eddie Williams √
Mark Wilson √
Nicholas Wood √
TOTAL 28 22
The vote being carried, it was
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T a Council Tax increase of 5.9% be approved.
(2) T H A T the budget for 2025/26, as set out in the report, be approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) Setting the annual rate of Council Tax was a key policy decision for Council.
(2) Setting a balanced budget was a statutory responsibility and decision for Full
Council.
PAY POLICY 2025/26 (REF)
The Leader presented the Pay Policy, which outlined how employees should be fairly
rewarded for duties, which had changed incrementally based on wider changes.
They also acknowledged the reduction of the gender pay gap, and the multiple
between lowest and highest paid was encouraging.
RESOLVED – T H A T the Council’s Pay Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the
report to Cabinet on 6th February 2025 (Minute No. C247), be approved.
Reason for decision
To respond to the legal requirements under the Local Authorities (Standing Orders)
(Wales) Amendment Regulations 2014, the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015 and
related advice from the Welsh Government as well as provide openness and
accountability in relation to how the Council rewards its staff.
N.B. All Chief Officers, save for two Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officers
servicing the meeting and the Head of Human Resources and Organisational
Development, left the meeting when this item was considered. The Head of
Human Resources and Organisational Development remained in the meeting,
until the matter was to be voted upon, in order to provide any clarification
required by Elected Members.
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C180, 28th November 2024), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C186, 28th November 2024), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
HOUSING PAS2035 RETROFIT SCHEME 2024/25 (PART II) (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C190, 28th November 2024), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
APPROPRIATION OF TWO PROPERTIES FROM HOUSING STOCK TO THE SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C209, 19th December 2024), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C215, 19th December 2024), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
CARDIFF AND VALE HOUSING PARTNERSHIP (PART II) (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C219, 19th December 2024), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
CAR PARKING (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C228, 9th January 2025), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
INITIAL BUDGET 2025/26 AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2024/25 TO 2029/30 PROPOSALS FOR CONSULTATION (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C234, 16th January 2025), as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
DRAFT CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2025/26 TO 2029/30 (REF)
RESOLVED – T H A T the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute
No. C235, 16th January 2025), (as set out in Section 15.14.2(ii) of the Council’s
Constitution, be noted.
Reason for decision
The reporting of the use of the Urgent Decision Procedure is a requirement of the
Council’s Constitution.
RESOLVED – That the following matters be dealt with as indicated:
(1)
Application 1 was deferred in the absence of the witness.
(2)
Application 2
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 he displayed dangerous driving and aggressive behaviour including shouting and cursing at a pedestrian.
The driver’s representative noted that the report suggested that his licence had been suspended by the Sub Committee for 10 days in 2016, and clarified that this was not the case as no suspension was awarded upon appeal.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that two people were trying to cross the road in front of the New Theatre and the light was amber so he stopped. He didn’t know what triggered it but one of them came to his car and used foul language towards him. He straightened up his car and then drove off when the light turned green.
Members asked whether the driver had seen the CCTV video of the incident, which he had. Members viewed the video and suggested that it contradicted what he had said in his statement about his taxi being stationary until the light was green. His statement also suggested that the female pedestrian was not using any sort of support to cross the road, which the video showed she was. The driver reiterated that he stood by his statement, and added that all other pedestrians had crossed the road by the time his taxi reached the crossing.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness explained that he and his wife were walking back to their car and approached the crossing as the light for it was green. As they crossed the road, the light turned flashing amber, so they continued as they had right of way, relatively slowly as his wife was using a crutch. The taxi came round the corner quickly and came close to him, which he found particularly worrying as he’d had two knee replacements. The driver used abusive language towards him regarding his age, but he did not recall using any bad language himself. The taxi drove off and he noted down the numberplate in order to make a complaint.
The driver’s representative suggested that the crossing in front of the New Theatre often caused confusion between drivers and pedestrians as it lacked a crossing box. He acknowledged that the witness and the driver had different views about who had right of way, but disputed the suggestion that the driver was speeding round the corner.
The driver’s representative added that the video seemed to show the pedestrian speaking to the driver first. The witness acknowledged that the video showed him going to speak to the driver, but suggested that this was only because the driver had wound down the window and shouted at him. Otherwise, he would have continued walking.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 7 days.
(3)
Application 3
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 from South Wales Police stating that the driver committed a number of speeding offences and falsely completed the Notice of Intended Prosecution forms indicating that other persons had committed the offences.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he had not been driving his vehicle on most of the occasions listed in the report. Friends of his had used the car for private use rather than as a taxi and received speeding tickets, and one of these friends who had committed three of the offences had left the country for family reasons so he was hard to contact. The driver didn’t want to lose his livelihood so he took responsibility for the offences, accepted nine points on his licence and paid a fine. After that, South Wales Police had made a complaint to the licensing authority.
Members queried the details of specific offences provided in the report, where a number of different names were nominated as having been driving the vehicle at the time. The driver stated that one of the individuals was a friend of his, and another was the friend’s wife. Members noted that it had not been possible to trace either person and the police did not believe they existed. Members queried one of the offences where the driver had initially nominated his wife but then changed it to his own name and attended a speed awareness course. The driver apologised for making a mistake in this case.
Members noted that the driver’s wife had nominated herself as the driver on one form, and asked if the driver understood that he was the only person insured to drive his taxi as it was a licensed vehicle. The driver suggested that a number of his friends borrowed his vehicle on occasion as it was a large van, and their insurance covered it. The Legal Officer clarified that this was not the case. Only the licensed taxi holder could use the vehicle, and it was not possible to get private insurance to drive someone else’s taxi.
Representing South Wales Police, the witness stated that there were historic offences going back to 2020, and the police took responsibility for failing to flag them up until now. He had been unable to track down several of the individuals nominated and suspected that they did not exist, and were certainly not insured to drive the vehicle. Other offences had been blamed on family members who had accepted they were driving at the time, which meant they would also have been uninsured.
The witness also suggested that the times of the offences, several of which had occurred after midnight, including on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, suggested that the vehicle was being used as a taxi at the time. He noted that the driver had admitted to three of the offences, taking three points and paying a fine, after being challenged. It was the police’s view that the driver had been driving the vehicle on all of the occasions listed, and had done everything possible to avoid being banned.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License be revoked.
(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 given that a complaint had been received alleging that the driver committed three speeding offences and falsely completed the Notice of Intended Prosecution forms indicating that other persons had committed the offences.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had misread the date of the offence on the first letter and nominated his wife as the driver of the vehicle at the time. This was an honest mistake rather than an attempt to falsify the form. He believed that the second offence was a mistake on the part of the authorities as his Uber log showed he was driving elsewhere at the time. On the third occasion, he believed he was giving his cousin a driving lesson and allowing her to drive the vehicle, but now realised that he had been the driver at that time.
Members asked how often his wife drove the taxi, and heard that he often took off the plates and allowed her to use it to go shopping. Members asked whether there had been L plates on the car when it was photographed speeding when he believed his cousin had been driving the car. The witness, representing South Wales Police, confirmed that there were not.
Representing South Wales Police, the witness stated that it was an easy process to check who was driving the car at the time as he had access to logs through Uber. The driver was the only person insured to drive his licensed vehicle, and his wife and cousin were not. His cousin had taken the blame and attended a speed awareness course for an offence she had not committed.
Regarding the driver’s suggestion that one of the offences was a mistake by the authority, the witness noted that the job records from the time and date in question showed that the vehicle had picked up a fare close to the camera several minutes before the offence was committed. The police’s view was that the driver had dishonestly attempted to avoid punishment for speeding offences on a number of occasions.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s License be revoked.
(5)
Application 5
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 the driver had nine penalty points on his licence in respect of three speeding offences.
The Chair queried a pending driving offence from October 2024 referred to in the report. The driver responded that he had not received any information about this offence since then, and didn’t know why this was the case. The Chair suggested that the hearing be deferred to allow the pending offence to be resolved, so the Sub Committee could have the full information when considering the matter.
RESOLVED – that the case be deferred to the next meeting of the Sub Committee.
(6)
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 / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had declared nine points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he had accumulated nine points from three offences, two of which had been on the same day when a speed limit on Western Avenue changed from 40mph to 30mph. He was doing less taxi work now and more school runs.
Members asked whether the driver was aware of his responsibility to inform the licensing authority as soon as the offences were committed, rather than upon renewal more than a year later. The driver responded that he had not been aware of this and apologised for failing to do so.
The driver’s representative emphasised that the driver had apologised for his mistake and accepted his punishment. He had been caught speeding twice in one day in an area where the limit had just changed, and on both occasions was going below the previous limit, so it was clearly an honest mistake.
Members queried how many points the driver had in total, and heard that he had received three in April 2023, six more in June 2023 and had three pending as of January 2025. Members noted that if the pending offence resulted in three more points, he would have to come before the Sub Committee again.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(7)
Application 7
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 the driver had six penalty points on his driving licence for failing to give information as to the identity of the driver (MS90).
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had been convicted in January of this year, having unintentionally misidentified his wife as the driver of a vehicle he shared with her. He originally wrote her name down on the form but then realised he had been driving and took responsibility. He had received six points on his license as a result.
Members queried the delay between the offence in May 2024 and declaring it to the licensing authority in January 2025. The driver explained that he had to wait until January for his court hearing, after which he had declared it to the authority. The driver also clarified that the offence took place before he became qualified as a taxi driver in Cardiff, having been licensed in Newport before.
RESOLVED – that no further action be taken,
(8)
Application 8
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the applicant previously held a licence with the authority but was convicted for totting up points on his DVLA licence. The driver had been referred to the Sub Committee and subsequently had his licence revoked.
The driver explained that he had been to the Sub Committee and been refused several times before. He didn’t have any additional evidence to prove his fitness but he had been a licensed driver for twelve years and never had any problems. He had tried to work in other jobs like security since losing his licence, but taxi driving was his passion. He was trying to support his family and getting his licence back would make a huge difference.
Members noted that the Sub Committee had revoked his licence in 2022 in line with its guidance after he had received 15 points, and had suggested that he reapply after five years. The driver emphasised that his offences had all been only slightly above the 30mph limit, in a private car rather than his taxi, and had been committed nearly five years ago.
RESOLVED – that the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be refused.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to Cllr Weaver’s portfolio
Cllr Weaver made a brief statement outlining sections in the Draft Corporate Plan and Draft Budgetary Proposals relevant to his portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments and the discussion is summarised below:
Members wished to know how the new KPI’s compared to the current performance figures, and were advised that this information could be provided to the Committee.
Members enquired about the dropout rate among apprentices at the Council and whether the Council monitors the progress of apprentices going on into further employment. Members were advised that the dropout rate is very low, some apprentices and trainees go on to work for the Council and in some service areas apprentice and trainee placements are very helpful in securing employment outside the Council. However, it was acknowledged that not all data may be properly captured, given the difficulties in keeping in touch with those who dropout.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Culture, Sport and Parks portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Jennifer Burke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Parks; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; Donna Jones, Assistant Director for County Estates; Ruth Cayford, Operational Manager for Creative Industries and Culture; and Jon Maidment, Head of Parks and Cardiff Harbour Authority.
Cllr Burke made a brief statement, following which Neil Hanratty gave a presentation outlining sections in the Draft Corporate Plan and Draft Budgetary Proposals relevant to Cllr Burke’s portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members were advised that filming charges in Bute Park Visitor Centre have been added to the fees and charges report and will continue to be included there in future years.
Members sought an explanation for the decision not to increase fees at the riding school, and were advised that there is a need to invest in the school as the infrastructure is deteriorating, and there is concern that if fees are increased customers could transfer to commercial competitors.
Members were advised that there have been instances when the outdoor school has had to be closed due to the roof leaking. Officers were confident that the expected £10,000 increase in income would be forthcoming.
Members sought an update on the Cardiff Story museum and were advised that it was the Cabinet’s view that it should remain in its present location until a viable alternative could be found.
Members questioned why the KPI for satisfaction rate of parks was set at 72.5% and were advised that while the budget is increasing there are still pressures and areas where investment is needed. Members were advised that the development of a new parks strategy includes consultation to understand what people want from parks, and to encourage people who might not ordinarily access parks to do so.
Members sought an explanation for the changes in the plans for Pentwyn Leisure Centre since the previous plans were consulted on. The Cabinet Member advised that the type of equipment that is going into the centre is on a par with the International Pool and will be a decent piece of infrastructure that is safe for families.
Members sought assurance that there would no further delay to the reopening of St David’s Hall beyond the 4th quarter of 2026/27. The Cabinet Member advised Members that in recent weeks nearly all relevant applications for work to progress have been submitted, and subject to regulatory approval work should commence in the summer. Announcement has been made that the Cardiff Singer of the World 2027 will take place at St David’s Hall and the hall will be open in time for that.
Members wondered whether the reopening of St David’s Hall in 2026-27 would have a significant impact on the city’s tourism sector, and were advised that alongside Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium and the city’s grassroots venues, and forthcoming Arena, it would mean that Cardiff would have a wide variety of venues that could host a range of different performers. Cardiff is increasingly seen as a destination for live events and it was important to the Council to ensure that St David’s Hall was not only maintained but enhanced in terms of what it offered people.
Members asked whether there was a mechanism to ensure that monies from the Financial Resilience Mechanism available for the sport development grant translate to improved services, and were advised that there is a sustained demand for this support which enables sports teams and clubs across the city to take on assets and improve them, working in partnership with the council.
Members sought information on how the Council could ensure there was involvement for female sports initiatives in this. The Cabinet Member advised that the FAW is reporting a significant increase in women’s and girls’ participation in football clubs. Llandaff Cricket has had a record participation of young girls, and girls’ participation in rugby is improving in the younger age groups; the administration remains committed to increasing participation of under-represented groups.
Members asked how much of the £1.5 million FRM was currently allocated and were advised that not all of it was already committed.
Members sought an update on the Whitewater Rafting Centre, and were advised that there had been some significant budget challenges in recent years but with efficiency savings it is getting closer to being operated within budget and is very close to breaking even.
Members discussed how well the Whitewater Rafting Centre was promoted, and were advised that it is a niche facility and there has been some targeted marketing, but this could be reviewed to ensure it is reaching enough people. An offer was made for committee members to visit the Centre to see first-hand the range of services on offer and to discuss marketing and promotion with officers.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Leader’s portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of the Council; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; and Jon Day, Operational Manager for Investment and Tourism.
Cllr Thomas made a brief statement, following which Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members discussed the lessons to be learned and any governance arrangements that might need to be addressed in relation to the contract for the demolition of Aberthaw power station, dealt with via the Cardiff Capital Region body. The Leader advised that he could not comment in detail as there are ongoing legal proceedings, but at the right time all local authorities involved will want an investigation into what occurred.
Members discussed the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee which is responsible for reviewing and scrutinising decisions made by the CJC. The Leader reminded the Committee that there had been discussions about the appropriateness of the scrutiny arrangements for the City Deal, and expressed the view that this was something either CJC or Welsh Government would wish to look at in more detail. He could envision a system where if a project is being delivered by CCR within the area of a LA, it would be appropriate for the relevant committee to scrutinise the work of the CCR.
Members wished to know about the prospects for a project emerging from the recommendations of the Western Gateway’s independent Severn Estuary Commission on the potential for renewable energy. The Leader advised that the Commission is due to report in mid-March. Briefings he has had indicate there is a potentially deliverable project that is technologically and financially feasible, but it will be necessary to have the right regulatory and governance environment to unlock the private sector investment.
Members sought information on how returns on investment in the City Deal were measured in terms of job creation and other economic opportunities. The Leader advised that there is a 5-year gateway process of assessment done jointly by UK and Welsh Governments on a CCR level, the top level metrics being job creation, GVA uplift and leverage of private money to match public money invested.
Members wished to know how the Council ensures that projects invested in through the City Deal align with environmental commitments made through One Planet Cardiff and the goal to reach Net Zero. The Leader advised that the KPI’s for the City Deal were set in 2016 and did not necessarily have green objectives in mind. The CJC has to have statutory policies around things such as biodiversity and the next deal will be more of a green deal.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Investment and Development portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of the Council; Neil Hanratty, Director of Economic Development; Donna Jones, Assistant Director for County Estates; and Jon Day, Operational Manager for Investment and Tourism.
Cllr Thomas made a brief statement, following which Neil Hanratty gave a presentation outlining sections of the Budgetary Proposals relevant to the portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members sought clarification on the source of additional income of £27,000 and were advised that it was income from renting out workshop space.
Members sought clarification on SPF funding for Cardiff Indoor Market and were advised that the funding was for the Financial Year 2024/25, had been agreed and was already in place.
Members sought further details on how the Council is working with the hospitality and accommodation sectors to increase accommodation options for visitors during major events. The Leader advised that the amount of hotel accommodation in the city is relatively modest, and one of the reasons for pursuing the Indoor Arena is to provide a more regular stream of visitors into the city and encourage investment in hotel development.
Members discussed whether proceeds from the visitor levy could be used to benefit district shopping centres away from the city centre. The Leader advised that as currently proposed it is envisaged that the proceeds of the visitor levy are spent within the visitor economy; however, the Council would want to develop a plan for how the levy could be deployed in partnership with stakeholders, including the BID as well as stakeholders more broadly.
Members questioned whether investment in new infrastructure such as the Canal Quarter Regeneration Phase 2 was the right approach when existing infrastructure such as city centre paving was not being sufficiently maintained. The Leader advised that much of the paving repair work in the city centre was due to the heavy traffic of supply trucks along Queen Street and The Hayes. Turning to the canal, he reminded Members that the plans had been signed off in 2021 when there Covid restrictions and concerns about the viability of city centres. The Council would want to see further plans, with the development of the Indoor Arena, around the Utilita Arena, developed in a strategic manner with a master plan for the whole area, with green and blue space being a key component making it somewhere people will want to spend time.
Members questioned whether pursuing a target of more Grade A office space was the most sustainable approach when there is other office space that is not being used. Officers advised that there is a lack of vacant Grade A office space in the city centre, and thus a risk that there is no property available for businesses that want to invest. The Leader added that last year saw the highest level of office take-up in 7 years.
Members asked whether there is a strategy for bringing surplus non-Grade A office space up to standard for reuse, and were advised that there is a market for cheaper office space for start-up and growing businesses, while other surplus office space has been repurposed for residential use.
Members wished to know whether there were concerns around CO2 emissions in relation to the creation of car parks in support of the Indoor Arena. The Leader advised that the current surface area car parks are being replaced by a single multi-storey car park with fewer parking spaces, while recognising there will be people who will drive to events at the Arena and want to park to access facilities in Cardiff Bay. Most of the area will be released to make it more attractive to people on foot and for leisure purposes.
Members wondered whether there were plans for more festivals or other attractions to encourage visitors to make longer stays. The Leader referred to the Cardiff City of Music Festival as a homegrown event that the Council would like to invest in and grow for the long term. Officers added that the Cardiff Live development will provide a venue able to compete for smaller business tourism events, and this will hopefully encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy other facilities.
Members discussed how to promote other things for people to see or do in Cardiff besides the major events. The Leader advised that this was the sort of thing that the Council would want to be able to enhance through funds unlocked by the tourism levy.
Members discussed whether the planned investment in Cardiff Indoor Market would interfere with the improvements already taking place in the market. Officers advised that the intention of the redevelopment is to improve the market as it is rather than change what it will be doing. Work will be done to make good the roof and stop it leaking, and to improve the stallholders’ stands.
Members asked whether proposals for open space or street food facilities in the city centre were seen as competing with the Indoor Market. Officers advised that businesses are generally comfortable with investments that improve the overall offer and attract more people into the city centre. The Leader advised that it was indicative that businesses and investors see the city centre as being a place where people go to socialise, eat and spend leisure time rather than for shopping.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Tackling Poverty portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People; and Helen Evans, Assistant Director for Housing and Communities.
Cllr Bradbury made a brief statement outlining sections of the Budgetary Proposals relevant to his portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
The Chair expressed gratitude for the acceptance of the KPI recommendations from the Scrutiny Performance Panel into the Corporate Plan, particularly around the Race Equality Task Force and sustainable employment.
Members wished to know how much of a challenge the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions presented to the Council and what is the Council’s strategy for addressing it. The Cabinet Member advised that the Council adjusts its work according to Governments’ tax proposals, and added that he had not received many letters from employers complaining that the increase was causing problems in recruitment.
Members asked whether there were KPIs around supporting people to stay in work. The Cabinet Member advised that the target for getting people into work had been raised, and that the team aims to get people into full-time and meaningful rather than temporary employment. Officers advised that most of the funding for Into Work services is grant funding and comes with a requirement that people stay and work for at least 6 months. Mentors work alongside the new employees to ensure they are sustained in that employment.
Members discussed whether people pass through the Into Work service only to be seen again a few months later, and were advised that some people have multiple barriers into work. A new Connect to Work programme will be delivered next year looking at those complex barriers, helping people into work and then wrapping support around them.
Members asked about the confidence levels at achieving the KPIs, and were advised that this is a key risk in 2026 as a significant amount of funding for Into Work services comes from the SPF. The Cabinet Member added that the team do remarkable work in the face of great challenges and difficulties, and it is important that funding for the next few years is secured to keep them in post.
Members sought information on what contingency there was should the SPF be significantly reduced or withdrawn. Officers advised that Connect to Work would help in some respects but not in terms of overall funding. Currently posts that become vacant are not being backfilled. Should no alternative funding become available the Council would have to look to exit posts. The Cabinet Member added that he would be putting pressure on ministers to replace SPF or put in place grant funding, and he would encourage Members to do the same.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Sections of the Corporate Plan and Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Housing and Communities portfolio
The Chair welcomed to the meeting Cllr Lee Bridgeman, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities; Helen Evans, Assistant Director for Housing and Communities; and Rebecca Hooper, Operational Manager for Neighbourhood Regeneration.
Cllr Bridgeman made a brief statement, after which Helen Evans and Rebecca Hooper gave a presentation outlining sections of the Budgetary Proposals relevant to the Housing and Communities portfolio.
Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:
Members discussed the use of volunteers in hubs and libraries. The Cabinet Member advised that it was decided at an early stage not to adopt a full volunteer service. Hub and library staff are professional and qualified and cannot be replaced with volunteers. Officers added a balance had been struck between the number of volunteers in hubs and libraries and the remaining paid staff, and it is unlikely that paid staff could be reduced further. As part of an internal restructuring the Council is looking to create more specialist library roles. Volunteers receive good training and there are robust procedures in place.
Members wished to know about the number of hubs that hub managers are managing and whether this was sustainable. Officers advised that this depends on the size of hub; Central Library has its own manager while for smaller hubs and libraries there may be a single manager across 3 or 4. The Council is creating more senior roles such as assistant managers and senior hub library assistants and there will be one of these in each hub or library.
Members discussed the training of existing staff in specialisms and were advised that the Council is encouraging hub and library staff to enrol for a librarianship degree.
Members wondered how the proposal to remove free parking periods from Council car parks would affect the viability of district and local centres. The Cabinet Member advised that car parking charges were not part of his portfolio. Officers advised that there is a coordinated approach with Transport and Highways relating to regeneration of shopping areas. Many district centres do not have free car parking and the focus is on ensuring there are good Active Travel opportunities to encourage people out of cars where possible.
Members questioned why there was no reference in the Corporate Plan to 15-minute cities and sought reassurance that the Council still supports the concept. The Cabinet Member assured Members that the commitment was still there but the 15-minute city name had been dropped as there was too much toxicity around it.
Members sought further information on the Roath-Adamsdown Business Corridor. Officers advised that the boundaries had not yet been defined and there have been discussions around alignment with other regeneration and Active Travel schemes. The size of the area will be part of the consultation.
Members welcomed the focus on ensuring books in hubs and libraries reflect the diversity of language and sought information on how this diversity was assessed. Officer advised that this was through consultations, surveys, and conversations with library staff and customers. In addition, a new IT system being rolled out allows customer requests in specific languages to be logged.
Members sought information on whether reduction of the book fund would have an impact on people who access books in community languages. Officers advised that they were confident that the Council would be able to continue to meet the requirements of community languages. Data on the percentage of purchased books are in community languages could be provided to the Committee.
Members sought information on the venues used for the Learning for Life programme, and were advised that there are many such venues, including schools, churches and community halls, which are listed on the website, and in addition there continue to be some online courses available.
Members were advised that adult literacy and numeracy comes under a separate programme for adult learning called Learning for Work.
Members were advised that most Learning for Life participants are 50-plus retirees and that officers would be able to provide a demographic breakdown to committee if required.
Members enquired about the priority for the Clifton Street area in the Roath-Adamsdown Business Corridor placemaking plan. Officers advised that the South Riverside Business Corridor placemaking plan is currently being concluded, and there is a significant project for Cowbridge Road East that officers are looking to secure funding for and take forward shortly. The target date for the Adamsdown-Roath Business Corridor to commence is June, and this includes Clifton Street. Officers are working close with colleagues to coordinate the work with plans for a Transport Corridor along Newport Road and Broadway.
Members wished to know what the allocation of £1.5M for regeneration from the FRM was likely to be spent. Officers advised that ward councillors would be invited to put forward ideas that meet the criteria around regeneration. The key priority will be deliverability. The Cabinet Member urged Councillors to look out for the email from officers inviting ideas.
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 Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
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: 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.
APPLICATION GRANTED
5b 23/00965/HYB – LISVANE
Land at Church Farm, Cefn Mably Road
Hybrid Planning Application for the Residential Development of up to 205 Dwellings Including Associated Drainage Attenuation, Open Space and Highways Infrastructure Comprising a Full Application for 61 Dwellings (Phase 1) and an Outline Application for up to 144 Dwellings With All Matters Reserved Apart From Access (Phase 2).
(Cllr Reid-Jones left her 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 her prejudicial interest.)
The application was granted subject to the conditions outlined in the report.
Swansea, Climate Change & Nature Recovery Service Transformation Committee,
RESOLVED – That the Sub Committee, having considered the application on its individual merits, all the committee papers, the statutory guidance made under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and Cumulative Impact Assessment, submissions made by the applicant and all other parties, and the oral evidence given by the applicant and objectors during the hearing in its determination of the matter, GRANTED the application.
The Committee considered that there was no evidence presented to suggest that the application would undermine the licensing objectives.
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 DEFERRED
5b 23/00965/HYB – LISVANE
Land at Church Farm, Cefn Mably Road
Hybrid Planning Application for the Residential Development of up to 205 Dwellings Including Associated Drainage Attenuation, Open Space and Highways Infrastructure Comprising a Full Application for 61 Dwellings (Phase 1) and an Outline Application for up to 144 Dwellings With All Matters Reserved Apart From Access (Phase 2).
The application was deferred for a site visit to take place.
APPLICATIONS REFUSED
24/01620/OUT – OLD ST MELLONS
Land Adjacent To Cefn Eurwg, Druidstone Road
Proposed construction of a detached dwelling with integral garage.
The application was refused.
24/02319/VAR – RIVERSIDE
51-65 Cowbridge Road East And 2-8 Lower Cathedral Road
Demolition of existing structures and the replacement with a mixed-use development comprising three commercial units at ground floor level (Use Classes A1/A2/A3), residential apartments above (Use Class C3), and associated works, including sustainable drainage, landscaping, amenity space and other works (AMENDED DESCRIPTION) (Approved 02 February 2024 - 22/02901/FUL).
Variation of Condition 27 (Subdivision of Largest Unit) of 22/02901/FUL to amend the approved scheme as follows: To remove the requirement for the largest commercial unit fronting Cowbridge Road East to be sub-divided into no less than two units, and enable a single occupant of the unit.
(Cllr Robson left the meeting during discussion of this item in accordance with his prejudicial interest).
The application was refused.
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 Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received stating that he committed a speeding offence and falsely completed the Notice of Intended Prosecution form indicating that another person had committed the offence.
The driver was not in attendance.
The witness, representing South Wales Police, explained when the name given on the NIP form was not the registered keeper of the car, the next step was to carry out an insurance check to find out whether they were insured on it. The police then contacted the licensing authority to find out whether they were a licensed taxi driver, which they were not.
On this occasion, when challenged, the driver admitted that he had falsely filled in the form, and filled it in again correctly. In the police’s view, it was a basic attempt to pervert the course of justice, and the driver had acted intentionally to get someone else to take the blame.
RESOLVED – that the Private Hire Driver’s Licence be revoked.
(2)
Application 2
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 he was displaying illegal number plates on his Hackney Carriage vehicle.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that it was a genuine mistake, and he was not aware that he had been using a ghost plate until the police came and took it from him. His son had bought it as a gift several years ago as it had 3D lettering that looked better, and he had been unknowingly driving with it since then. The plate had been registered with the DVLA and had not been noticed on several MOTs. He provided the Sub Committee with a receipt for the plates which described them as ‘UK standard’.
The driver added that he did not know what ghost plates were until the police seized them from him. He suggested that if he had really wanted to avoid being caught committing an offence, he would not have put his hackney plate right next to the ghost plate on the rear of his vehicle. The police’s statement had made clear that they would not have been able to trace him if not for the hackney plate.
The witness, representing South Wales Police, explained that when the speed limit changed from 40mph to 30mph on Manor Way, advice letters were sent out to drivers who were caught breaking the new limit. Suspicions were raised when this number plate didn’t read, and the police were only able to identify the vehicle from the taxi plate next to it. Possession of the plates was illegal, which was why the driver had received a fixed penalty notice and paid a fine.
The witness added that the ghost plate was not actually UK standard as it didn’t have the manufacturer’s name on it, but acknowledged that this was not obvious. He was surprised that this was not noticed during several MOTs but could not speak for the garage that had passed it. In his experience, ghost plates were only fitted to vehicles so they could avoid cameras, and they had been on the vehicle for some time. It was not possible to say for sure whether the vehicle had gotten away with any other offences in that time.
The driver’s representative added that the plates would have seemed legal to the untrained eye and had since been replaced with legal ones. He emphasised that the driver had been a taxi driver of good standing for nearly twenty years, and had made a genuine mistake and not intended to deceive anyone.
RESOLVED – that no further action be taken.
(3)
Application 3
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 he committed a motoring offence and falsely completed the Notice of Intended Prosecution form indicating that another person had committed the offence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver acknowledged that he had made a mistake by nominating the wrong driver. He got confused about the date that it happened because he and his wife shared another car, and he wrongly nominated her as the driver on that day. His wife had also not noticed that it was the wrong car when she was notified of the offence.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that the car they shared was a Vauxhall Corsa while his taxi was a Mercedes E-Class. Both of them were insured to drive the Corsa while only he was allowed to drive the Mercedes.
The driver noted that there was a mistake in the police’s statement, which stated that the offence occurred on a Sunday when actually it was on a Thursday. The witness, representing South Wales Police, acknowledged the error in the statement but clarified that the NIP form displayed the correct date, in addition to clearly stating the make, model and number plate of the vehicle.
The witness noted that the number plates of the two cars in question were not particularly similar. He added that their records showed he was carrying a fare at the time, and as the offence involved going through a red light at speed it would go to court.
The driver added that he was disappointed in himself for not looking at the form properly and making a mistake. He had driven taxis for more than ten years and had never previously had a complaint.
RESOLVED – that the Private Hire Driver’s Licence be revoked.
(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 given that he was disqualified from driving in November 2024 for 56 days.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that on the day in question he was coming back to Cardiff from Bristol. He was too slow to decelerate when he came off the A48 and the speed limit changed, and there was a police vehicle behind him which pulled him over for speeding. It was the first time this had happened in 16 years of driving, and he had apologised and accepted his punishment.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver clarified that the suspension had expired in mid-January and he was back driving now. Having been disqualified in November, he had declared his offence to the council in December and handed in his plates then.
The driver’s representative emphasised that the driver had already been punished, having received a fine and a suspension, and asked that he be given a second chance.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(5)
Application 5
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 he had 6 penalty points on his driving licence for failing to give information as to the identity of the driver (MS90).
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that some time ago he had been trying to sell a car and allowed a potential buyer to take it for a test drive. Upon being notified that the car had been caught going 29mph in a 20mph zone, he provided the driver’s details but the police had been unable to find them. The driver suspected that the individual may have had a licence from another country or provided a fake name. He had been unable to track down the driver and in the end felt he had no choice but to accept the points and declare this to the council.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver clarified that the vehicle in question had not been his taxi. He allowed a friend of a friend to take the car out on their own without checking their licence, which he accepted was a mistake. His friend had failed to provide the individual’s proper details and as a result they were no longer friends.
The driver added that taxi driving was his only source of income and he needed to support his children. If he had known any of this would happen then he would never have let someone else drive his car.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 21 days.
(6)
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 / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had 6 penalty points on his driving licence for breaching the requirements as to control of the vehicle including a mobile phone offence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had received six points and a fine for using a mobile phone while driving. His phone screen had lit up in the passenger seat and a police officer walking by spotted it, and he ended up having to go to court. He had tried to explain that the phone screen had come on automatically but the police claimed it was in his hand.
The driver believed he was innocent and disputed the police’s version of events but had accepted the judge’s verdict. He clarified that he had been driving his wife’s car rather than his taxi. He apologised for not notifying the council of the offence as soon as it had happened, having been under the impression that it only had to be reported upon renewal.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 7 days.
(7)
Application 7
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the applicant failed to declare on his application form that he had previously been licensed by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and that his licence with that authority had been revoked in May 2024 on the grounds of public safety.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the applicant explained that when he was licensed in Merthyr he wasn’t aware that they did not allow him to drive in Cardiff. He had now done the Cardiff knowledge test and wanted to get licensed so he could drive a taxi in the city.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the applicant explained that Merthyr council had revoked his licence after a complaint from a passenger who said he locked her in the taxi. He disputed that he had locked her in and suggested that the passenger had refused to pay the fare, leading to an altercation.
RESOLVED – that the application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be refused.
(8)
Application 8
The Sub Committee was asked to consider an application for the Grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the applicant had convictions contrary to the guidance.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the applicant explained that he had been kicked out of his home when he was 16 and had subsequently gotten into trouble. He was convicted of wounding, affray and assault after several fights, with the last conviction coming in 2002, relating to an incident in 1999. When the last case went to court, he was sentenced to 240 hours of community service, and since then he had maintained a clean record. He now had a daughter and a house and felt he had shown he was a good man.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the applicant explained that he had worked as an HGV driver before sustaining an injury in a car accident which left him in a wheelchair for several years. Since then he had worked to get his fitness back and was confident driving again. The car accident had led to a disorder which caused his hands to twitch but his doctor was happy for him to drive. The Licensing Officer added that the applicant had provided a medical certificate confirming this.
RESOLVED – that the application for a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be granted.
RESOLVED: that
1) The disposal of the former Toys R Us/Retail 3 site by way of option as set out in this report and in line with the Heads of Terms set out in Confidential Appendix 2 be approved and authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Investment & Development, the Section 151 Officer and the Legal Officer, to deal with any ancillary matters related to the disposal.
2) The plans for alternative short-term parking arrangements as illustrated at Appendix 4be noted.
3) Engagement with local residents/landowners be authorised to consider the future options for the areas of boardwalk not in Council ownership and report back to a future meeting of Cabinet.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T Reason for Refusal 1 has been superseded by the submission of new
ecological evidence that was not before the Council at the time when it resolved its
putative reasons for refusal and so is withdrawn.
(2) T H A T upon revisiting the weighing of the harm to heritage assets against
the benefits in light of the new evidence, the Council also withdraws putative Reason
for Refusal 2.
Reason for decisions
(1&2) To confirm the position of the Vale of Glamorgan Council Planning Committee
in respect of the appeal, prior to submission of a response to Planning and
Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) by 20th January, 2025.