RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to issue an
Enforcement Notice under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
(as amended) to require:
(i) The cessation of the use of the land for the storage of:
(a) construction related goods including (but not limited to), building
materials, fittings, fixtures, signage, ladders, paint, machinery, bricks, fencing,
sheds, tubing, wheelbarrows, tubs, woodwork, pallets and UPVC frames and
other miscellaneous items;
(b) construction related waste materials including (but not limited to),
rubble, tubs, woodwork and pallets;
(c) a prefabricated unit, shed and other buildings, along with the remains
of a roof.
(ii) The permanent removal from the land of the:
(a) construction related goods including (but not limited to), building
materials, fittings, fixtures, signage, ladders, paint, machinery, bricks, fencing,
sheds, tubing, wheelbarrows, tubs, woodwork, pallets, UPVC frames and
other miscellaneous items;
(b) construction related waste materials including (but not limited to),
rubble, tubs, woodwork and pallets;
(c) prefabricated unit, shed and other buildings, along with the remains of
a roof.
(2) T H AT, in the event of non-compliance with the Notice, authorisation be
granted to take such legal proceedings as may be required.
Reasons for decisions
(1) It appears to the Council that the above breach of planning control constituting
the change of use of the land from agriculture to a mixed use of agriculture and the
storage of construction items and waste, plant/machinery, the siting of a pre-
fabricated container and other associated buildings has commenced within the last
10 years.
(2) The unauthorised change of use of the land has resulted in a large volume of
commercial items, waste as well as associated machinery and buildings stored on
agricultural land in readily visible positions. This results in the loss of open
countryside which is detrimental to the rural character of the area and to the visual
amenities of local properties. Furthermore, the movement, sorting, collecting and
delivery of items, waste and machinery is a loud and disruptive process which further
detrimentally impacts the amenities of neighbouring properties by way of noise
disturbance and further detrimentally impacts the character of the area. The
unauthorised use of the land for the storage of construction items, plant/machinery
and associated structures and buildings is therefore considered to be contrary to
Policies MD2, MD5 and MD7 of the Local Development Plan as well as guidance set
out in Planning Policy Wales (Edition 11, 2021).
(3) 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.
(ii) Land and Buildings at 101, Port Road West, Barry -
The report sought authorisation to issue an Enforcement Notice under section 172 of
the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) in respect of the grey roof
tiles, boundary wall and dormer window recently constructed at the property.
The report recommended that an Enforcement Notice be issued requiring the
replacement of the roof tiles on the existing dwelling and extension with a suitable
alternative that matched the colour and texture of the original dwelling, lowering the
1.8m high boundary wall and the finishing of the dormer window in materials that
matched the roof of the original dwelling. Authorisation was also sought to pursue
legal proceedings in the event that the Enforcement Notice was not complied with.
RESOLVED –
(1) T H A T the Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to serve an
Enforcement Notice under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
(as amended) to require:
(i) The removal of the grey cement roof tiles on the existing dwelling and
their replacement with a suitable alternative that matches, as far as
practicable, the colour and concrete texture/profile of the tiles on the original
dwelling and adjoining property.
(ii) The removal of the grey cement roof tiles on the two-storey side
extension and their replacement with a suitable alternative that matches the
colour and concrete texture/profile of the tiles on the original dwelling and
adjoining property.
(iii) The reduction of the 1.8m high boundary wall/fence constructed around
the boundary of the garden to a height of no more than 1m above ground
level.
(iv) The removal of all waste materials resulting from the taking of steps (i)
– (iv) above from the site.
(2) T H A T in the event of non-compliance with the Notice, authorisation be
granted to take such legal proceedings as may be required.
Reasons for decisions
(1) It appears to the Council that the above breach of planning control constituting
operational development - the re-roofing of the original dwelling and the construction
of the boundary wall, have occurred within the last 4 years and the roofing of the
extension with grey cement tiles in breach of condition 2. On planning application
2020/01082/FUL, within the last 10 years.
(2) The development has been undertaken to a residential property within the
settlement boundary where development is expected to be of a high standard of
design that positively contributes to the context and character of the surrounding
natural and built environment and is of a scale, form, layout and character that is
sympathetic to and respects its immediate setting and wider surroundings. The use
of grey cement roof tiles on the original dwelling and extension, and boundary wall
are considered to be unacceptable as they detract from the character of the existing
property and its setting and have an adverse impact on the wider street scene. The
development is therefore considered to be contrary to policies SP1, (Delivering the
Strategy), SP10 (Built and Natural Environment), MD2 (Design of New Development)
and MD5 (Development within Settlement Boundaries), the Residential and
Householder Development SPG, PPW Edition 11 (2021) and Technical Advice Note
12: Design.
(3) Despite meetings and correspondence with the owner of the property, no
further attempts have been made to regularise the position or remove the
unauthorised development which is considered to be unacceptable.
(4) 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.
RESOLVED – THAT the comments of the Environment and Regeneration
Scrutiny Committee and subsequent comments from Councillor Morgan be noted
and considered further by the next Administration as part of an authority-wide
traffic management and road safety policy that linked with both the 20mph default
speed limit and plans for greater active travel opportunities .
Question:
Can you please confirm that the current Cabinet has brought forward this
resolution and that the proposed authority-wide traffic management and road
safety policy will now be addressed as a matter of priority?
Reply from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places
Welsh Government announced on 12th June, 2022, a decision to introduce a
default speed limit of 20mph in Wales. At this current time our officers are working
hard to plan and deliver this project in time for the current introduction date of
September 2023. This means there are limited resources to undertake any further
large scale traffic policy work, but in addition it would be inappropriate to
undertake this work prior to the implementation of the ongoing 20mph default
project, as this involves the review of various guidance associated with the setting
of speed limits which would be an essential part of any such policy.
There is a detailed plan of Active Travel proposals for the Vale of Glamorgan and
this can be found on the Council’s website which she would encourage people to
look at. The work to develop an authority-wide traffic management and road
safety policy will commence following the implementation of the 20mph default
speed limit.
If there are any specific issues – whether these are around a specific issue or
locality that Councillor Morgan has concerns about, I would be more than happy to
explore those matters further through discussion with all Members as well if they
asked.
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Supplemental
Councillor Morgan, referring to his disappointment that nothing had been
progressed, sought a meeting with the Cabinet Member to discuss the matter
further.
The Cabinet Member indicated that she was happy to do so.
(iii) Question from Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson
How many people are currently waiting for social services support, and what is the
Council doing to reduce that number?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Health
People approach Social Services for a variety of reasons. The question is very
broad and so I have endeavoured to give some broad details firstly for Adults and
then secondly for Children and Young People. If there is anything specific that
Councillor Dr. Johnson has concerns about, I can maybe deal with that as a
supplementary or through further discussion.
Adult Assessment:
In Adult Services there are currently 99 people in the community waiting for a
Social Services assessment. There are an additional 6 people waiting in hospital
for an assessment by a Social Worker
There are no urgent cases waiting assessment, but there are 24 awaiting
allocation and 75 cases awaiting input from an Occupational Therapist (these are
lower priority) the standard we seek to achieve is for assessment to be made
within 12 weeks.
Adults Waiting for a Service:
There are 5 people waiting for a care home placement (3 permanent, 1 temp,
1 respite).
There are 120 people waiting for domiciliary care however, just over 20 of those
are temporarily receiving that care from the Vale Community Resource Service
which specialises in providing reablement and rehabilitation.
For Children and Young People
The picture here is different and the detail I will provide relates to the numbers
waiting to be assessed. This is the position as at the 11/7/22:
• 10 children (in 9 families) awaiting assessment by the Child Health and
Disability Team. It is expected a number of these children will be allocated
for assessment within a week.
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No.
• 39 children (in 28 families) awaiting assessment by the Intake Team.
The list of children waiting is kept under regular review and allocated according to
need.
Supplemental
Thanking the Cabinet Member for his response, Councillor Dr. Johnson sought
clarification in respect of the market fragility and service capacity, noting that these
were high on the Council’s risk register and enquired if staffing issues were
affecting the Council’s ability to deliver support.
The Cabinet Member confirmed that there were seven individuals waiting
assessment and confirmed that in regard to Adult Services there were less than
100 people waiting for care at home and this was where the Authority was finding
it particularly difficult to meet those individuals’ needs. As a result the service was
conducting risk assessments for those individuals to ensure that they were
prioritised. Domiciliary care was particularly difficult to resource in rural areas as a
result specific initiatives were in place to develop additional capacity in the
Western Vale. The supply and demand of domiciliary care was carefully
monitored and over the previous three months a growing number of packages had
been put in place each month. In April, this was 108 packages and in June 136.
There was however a gap in capacity and Social Services had put several
measures in place to mitigate the situation. He agreed to forward details of these
measures to Councillor Dr. Johnson and Members of the Council.
(iv) Question from Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson
How many Council houses have been built by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in
the last decade?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant
Engagement
Given the housing crisis in this country, let alone in the Vale of Glamorgan, the
straightforward answer is – not enough!
But, the good news is that the Council re-commenced its house building
programme in September 2017, and since this date Council has completed 76
properties in the following areas:
• Francis Road, Barry – 3 no. units
• Llys Llechwedd Jenner, Barry – 28 no. units
• Clos Holm View, Barry Phase 1 – 11 no. units
• Court Road, Barry – 11 no. units
• Lon y Felin Wynt, Hayes Road, Barry – 23 no. units
67 properties are currently under construction and these are:
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• St Cyres Road, Penarth – 14 no. units
• Hayeswood Road, Barry – 53 no. units
We are ‘in contract’ for 32 properties and awaiting construction start dates at:
• Coldbrook Road East, Barry – 20 no. units
• Colcot Clinic, Barry – 12 no. units
Awaiting Planning Decision, but due to start on site 2022/23, on a further 49
properties at the following locations:
• Clos Holm View, Barry (Phase 2) – 31 no. units
• Maes y Ffynnon, Bonvilston – 8 no. units
• Olive Lodge, Barry (acquisition pending) – 10 no. units
In addition we currently have 346 units for schemes at Feasibility and Pre-
development stage from 2023.
Supplemental
Councillor Dr. Johnson, being pleased to hear that the projects were under
delivery, enquired of the Cabinet Member as to what consideration she had given
in the context of the number of units quoted in her response, the impact of inflation
and supply chain issues affecting the construction industry would have on the
delivery of the programme over the coming years.
The Cabinet Member acknowledged that there had been difficulties with costings
of materials and prices from contractors and the Council was working hard to
mitigate these pressures and she indicated that she would provide Councillor
Dr. Johnson with a written reply.
(v) Question from Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson
What is the current situation regarding the Model Farm development?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and
Regulatory Services
Planning permission was quashed in October 2021 when the Court Order by
HHJ Jarman QC confirmed the application for permission for judicial review was
granted. The planning application is now back with the Council for determination.
A new public consultation regarding the planning application was undertaken
earlier in the year and additional viability information has also been presented by
the applicant which the public could comment on. This information is currently
being considered by relevant experts on behalf of the Council.
The application remains under assessment and will be reported back to Planning
Committee for consideration once this process (including the assessment of the
viability information) is complete. However, it should be noted that the application
Minutes - JR
No.
is also currently subject to a holding direction from Welsh Government and once
the Planning Committee considers the application, it will have to be passed back
to Welsh Government for an actual decision.
The application will not be on the agenda for next Planning Committee on 27th July
and is likely to come back for consideration in the Autumn.
Supplemental
Councillor Dr. Johnson sought clarification on the process and decision-making in
terms of who would make the final decision regarding the granting of planning
permission.
Referring to the holding direction received from Welsh Government the Cabinet
Member confirmed that the matter would come back to the Council’s Planning
Committee in the near future to consider officers’ recommendations. Once the
Planning Committee had considered the matter the application would be passed
back to Welsh Government for the final decision.
(vi) Question from Councillor Dr. I.J. Johnson
What is the timetable for a new-build Welsh medium school in Cowbridge?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language
Thank you for your question. The new build Welsh Medium School in Cowbridge
proposal will need to be subject to a statutory consultation process. This is
provisionally planned for September 2022 and a final determination on the
education proposal likely in March 2023. This consultation is required to determine
what form of Welsh Medium primary school would be most appropriate based on
the statutory considerations outlined in the School Organisation Code.
It is anticipated that the funding for the project will form part of the extended
Sustainable Communities for Learning Band B programme. This will depend on
Welsh Government approval to extend the programme. Projects within the Band B
programme must be approved before 2024 and completed by 2026.
Based on the current estimated timeframe it is expected that the relevant business
case, planning and SAB approvals would be in place by September 2023 to allow
construction to begin. The new school would be anticipated to open in January
2025 subject to no delays in achieving the relevant approvals.
The Council’s draft Welsh in Education Strategic Plan covering the years 2022 to
2032 requires the new school to be delivered by 2027. Under the current
programme the Council aims to deliver the new school by 2025. However, this is
subject to the necessary funding being in place and the outcome of the relevant
stages of the decision making process.
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Supplemental
Councillor Dr. Johnson enquired if any lessons had been learned from the Barry
Waterfront development.
The Cabinet Member confirmed that there had been and she would be happy to
discuss these with Councillor Dr. Johnson further.
(vii) Question from Councillor M.J. Hooper
Given the upcoming changes at Westminster, and especially cognisant of Boris
Johnson's personal agenda, have the Council identified any new risks to the
levelling up funding bid, and what are they doing to mitigate said risks?
Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and
Resources
The scope of the Levelling Up Round 2 remains unchanged and changes within
Westminster have not impacted on bid development. The Portal for submission of
bids had opened and the Council bid would be submitted shortly. The Council has
identified this as a risk in terms of delivery timescales for capital works should the
bid be approved. It is hoped that the end dates for delivery or the appraisal
window will be amended by UK Government to mitigate against this delay at the
start of the process.
Supplemental
Councillor Hooper, referring to the current Prime Minister leadership contest and
to the pledges relating to taxation made by the candidates which economic
commentators believed could result in implications for future levelling up funding
and shared prosperity funding, asked the Leader if she would consider a review of
the risks.
Referring to scenario planning by the Project Team, the Leader indicated that they
were well ahead in terms of working out the potential implications, but until clarity
was achieved within the Conservative party, it was a case of waiting and seeing
and then act accordingly.
(viii) Question from Councillor C.A. Cave
Could the Cabinet Member please explain the criteria for cutting highway verges?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services
There are set criteria for the various designated areas of the Highways Verge
network and the detail of this is as follows:
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There are 150km of carriageway designated as Strategic Routes within the
adopted highway, these are cut during May, July and September throughout the
growing season to an average width of 3 metres.
There are 655km of carriageway designated as Non-Strategic Routes within the
adopted highway, these are cut on one occasion at an average width of 1.2
metres after the 3rd Monday in July to aid users of the carriageway but also to aid /
assist the ecological interest of these verges.
There are several recognised Vision Splays within the highway network that
require cutting at the beginning of the growing season to ensure appropriate vison
at these junctions, this would usually take place in May, however within our
contract we also have the ability to call upon a second vison splay cut if verge
growth requires it.
Supplemental
Councillor Cave sought an explanation from the Cabinet Member as to why
contractors were being allowed to choose when and where they would cut grass
verges. She had particular concern that vehicle vision splays were not being
appropriately managed.
The Cabinet Member indicated that he was not aware of any particular issues in
regard to the maintenance of highway verges but gave an assurance that he
would investigate the matter.
(ix) Question from Councillor C.A. Cave
Will the Cabinet Member please give his support to a Rural Roads Policy?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places
Thank you for your question and I would advise that I am aware that this matter
has already been responded to and addressed via Council questions by the
previous Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport. I would
concur with his statements and position stated at that time, however, for the
avoidance of doubt I would clarify as below for new Members.
The Council’s local road network comprises a mixture of road classes and
unclassified roads within the rural Vale incorporating country lanes. It is the case
with a significant number of both urban and rural roads throughout the Vale that
these were not designed or constructed to accommodate the current mix and
volume of traffic, pedestrian, cyclist and equestrian users. However, all roads
including rural roads and country lanes, must carry a certain composition of traffic
to serve the needs of the local population both from a business, work and leisure
perspective and motorists who use these roads should do so with appropriate care
and consideration for others. It is also accepted that there is a general increase in
the use of all roads for various purposes, but this is Vale wide and affects all
classes or road both rural and urban.
Minutes - JR
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Where specific safety or conflict issues arise along rural roads or country lanes
this is already investigated and managed based on specific investigation and
evidence obtained in the same was as urban roads to ensure the Council comply
with its statutory duty to manage its overall highway network in accordance with
the appropriate legislation. There are no requirements for the Council to manage
country lanes or rural roads separately or in a different manner to its other local
road network and there is no evidence that country lanes are generally unsafe,
albeit there is a recognition of a slightly different mix of traffic and infrastructure
conditions in managing various elements and classes of road within the Vale’s
local road network. Where issues on any country roads are brought to the
Council’s attention then these will be fully investigated based on the evidence and
risk approach in the same way that all other roads are assessed and managed.
As a consequence, and based on the above position, I do not consider that there
is a need to have a separate Rural Roads Policy as safety and traffic conditions
are already considered specific to each circumstance and section of road based
on investigation and evidence whether this is a rural country lane or busy urban
road. In summary, the Council’s highways teams review and considers specific
concerns on its rural network in the same manner as any other road within the
Vale’s local highway network and this is considered adequate, reasonable and a
proportionate way to deal with safety issues which may be raised or occur at any
time.
Finally, and as referenced in one of my previous responses, at a meeting of the
Cabinet on 28th February 2022 consideration was given to a reference from the
Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee concerning a suggested Rural
Roads Policy in the Vale. Cabinet at the time resolved to note the comments of
the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee and subsequent
comments from Councillor Morgan and considered further by the next
Administration as part of an authority-wide traffic management and road safety
policy that linked with both the 20mph default speed limit which she supported.
I agree with the previous Cabinet Member’s position on this matter and as I have
stated, work to develop an authority-wide traffic management and road safety
policy will commence following the implementation of the 20mph default speed
limit.
Supplemental
Thanking Councillor Morgan for his support and campaigning for such a policy,
Councillor Cave asked the Cabinet Member if she would accept an invitation to
visit her ward to look at issues that had not been addressed by her Cabinet
predecessor.
The Cabinet Member indicated that she would be happy to visit Councillor Cave’s
ward.
Minutes - JR
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(x) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll
What action is the Council taking in response to the impacts of inflation on the
Authority’s budgets?
Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and
Resources
The inflationary pressures are impacting on all of the Council’s finances both
revenue and capital.
For revenue the Council has been largely protected on rising utility costs having
purchased its gas and electric in advance but is seeing pressure coming through
on changes to standing charges. Negotiations are ongoing on the 2022/23 pay
award and it is looking likely that the 3% set aside will be insufficient. Services are
managing their budgets tightly to ensure the Council’s finances are as robust as
possible. Regular sessions are held to discuss budget pressures across all
Directorates. You will also be aware that regular revenue (and capital) monitoring
reports are brought before Cabinet (and all Scrutiny Committees) so that the
budgets can be monitored and where necessary, action taken to address
emerging issues.
Pressures are also coming through in Capital and again the finance team are
working with service managers to understand the impact of rising prices at a
scheme level. As part of this work we are ascertaining progress on schemes,
whether work is under way, contracts agreed or work still out to tender. Managers
are having to value engineer schemes to keep to agreed cost envelopes. In
particular cases, such as with key projects that are funded via Welsh Government
(21stC schools being a key example), discussions are held to establish whether
inflationary pressures can be factored into any awards.
Finally, all be aware that the Council does hold specific reserves (both revenue
and capital) which are available to be used as a consequence of cost pressures,
including inflationary increases.
Supplemental
Councillor Carroll enquired if the Leader anticipated a draw down from reserves
and what this amount would be.
The Leader pointed out to Councillor Carroll that this had been set out in recent
reports to the Corporate Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee and the
Governance and Audit Committee. Those reports referred to reserves that could
be used and would be used if deemed necessary and it was just as well the
Council had these.
Minutes - JR
No.
(xi) Question from Councillor G.D.D. Carroll
Will the Cabinet Member please provide an update on action the Council is taking
to improve highway infrastructure on Llandough Hill?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services
Thank you for your question, however, it is unclear exactly what information you
are looking for regarding the highway infrastructure on Llandough. I can confirm
that Llandough Hill is recorded as adopted highway and the Council as local
highway authority has a duty to maintain it at public expense under Section 41 of
the Highways Act 1980. I am unaware of any other infrastructure on Llandough
Hill that you may be referring too. Perhaps if you could elaborate, I would be
happy to respond further.
Supplemental
Councillor Carroll asked the Cabinet Member if he would support the resurfacing
of the road.
The Council’s three year plan which provided a method whereby individual roads
were identified and prioritised for resurfacing through consideration of several
specific criteria, which included but was not limited to road classification, ongoing
maintenance costs, customer complaints and third party claims. The process
enabled the Council to implement an annual programme of resurfacing works on a
priority basis so as to manage its highway asset in the most cost effective and
beneficial manner subject to the funding available annually for such works. The
three year plan had recently been updated and was presented to Cabinet on
7th July, 2022 and the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on
12th July, 2022. The agendas and minutes of these meeting were available, as he
pointed out to Councillor Carroll, via the Council’s website.
That Cabinet report identified that Llandough Hill was identified as scoring 195
points on the three year Resurfacing Plan and it was anticipated, based on current
funding available in the current financial year, that resurfacing works would be
undertaken to roads scoring a total of 210 points or above. Therefore it was
unlikely that the road would be resurfaced in the current financial year, although
the position would be reviewed again in 2023.
(xii) Question from Councillor R.R. Thomas
Will the Leader confirm how many potholes have been reported to the Council
within the town of Penarth in the last 12 months?
Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and
Resources
I am informed that 126 carriageway defects have been reported to the Council
from July 2021 to June 2022. All of these reported defects have been inspected
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to ensure they meet the intervention criteria set by the Council. The criteria is
available on the Council’s website and the Environment and Regeneration
Scrutiny Committee had also discussed this recently.
In addition, the Council’s Highway Inspectors have raised some 242 actionable
carriageway defects in Penarth from July 2021 to June 2022. Some of these
defects will be in the 126 reported defects identified above.
Whilst we regularly inspect all our highways, as has been detailed, defects will
appear in between these inspections. We therefore encourage all residents to use
the ‘report it’ feature on our website if they are concerned about a pothole, or
alternatively to telephone our contact centre with this information.
Supplemental
Councillor R. Thomas, referring to the Council’s report which only identified one
road which required resurfacing which he was disappointed with, asked the
Leader why residents of Penarth were low on the Council’s priority list and invited
her to visit the ward with him to walk and speak to residents on the issue.
The Leader indicated that she regularly walked and cycled around the Plymouth
ward for a number of reasons and that at a recent visit to the ward she only
identified three potholes which had already been assessed for repair and since
that time the work had been undertaken. She reminded Councillor Thomas that
she regularly reported potholes for repair and recounted from emails she had
retained for her records that she had reported a number of defects to road across
Penarth in 2017 and 2018. In 2019 she had reported 132 defects and one road
where she had reported potholes had since been resurfaced. In 2020 she had
reported 5 defects and in 2021 she had reported a further 47 defects across
various locations in Penarth. She also pointed out to Councillor Thomas that she
also took the time to report street bins that required emptying, street lights that
were not working and graffiti. She was not only a voice for the community in the
Council but an effective Councillor. She also reminded Councillor Thomas of the
reporting feature on the Council’s website and suggested that he walked his ward
and reported any potholes which she had no doubt would be repaired if they met
the Council’s repairs criteria.
(xiii) Question from Councillor G. Bruce
Why has the Council not taken action to ensure adequate school transport
provision is put in place for pupils travelling from Rhoose Primary to Cowbridge
Comprehensive following catchment area changes to protect the education
continuity of pupils attending Cowbridge?
Reply from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places
Free home to school transport is provided to secondary aged pupils who live three
or more miles from their catchment school.
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No.
Transport is provided for any pupil who qualifies either on distance grounds or
because they do not have an available walking route to school, if they attend their
catchment area school.
This is and has been the Authority’s position and is part of the school and college
transport policy which can be found on the Council’s website.
Pupils moving up from Rhoose Primary to Cowbridge Comprehensive in
September 2022 will be allocated free school transport, as long as they live in
catchment. Parents are able to apply to any school they wish, but as outlined in
the Policy if it is non-catchment parents/carers will be responsible for transport
provision.
The change of catchment for Cowbridge Comprehensive, that included Rhoose
moving into catchment was, as other changes in school catchments have been, a
phased approach.
The change came in for Year 7 in September 2021 and will be for both Year 7 and
Year 8 in September 2022.
The Council does not change the catchment for all year groups at the same time.
If that was to happen, in this particular case, then all pupils who attended Llantwit
Major Comprehensive and live in Rhoose would all be out of catchment and not
qualify for free school transport. That would affect close to 230 pupils who live in
the Rhoose area and who knowingly choose to attend at that time their catchment
school, Llantwit Comprehensive.
The Council has fulfilled its statutory duty and continues to provide transport for
pupil who attend their catchment school.
I am aware of issues raised with regards costs for the private bus that runs from
Rhoose to Cowbridge Comprehensive which is in part due to a lack of pupils not
needing to purchase seats on this bus as they now travel for free on a Council
contracted school bus. However, I will refer to another private bus that ran from
the Ely area of Cardiff to Cowbridge Comprehensive that another operator
decided to cancel at the beginning of this year. This was not due to lack of
passengers, it was a decision made by the operator for business reasons. The
Council has no control over the running of private services and as such operators
can make decisions on fares, whether or not they run a service or the route the
bus may take without consultation
(xiv) Question from Councillor C.P. Franks
Will the Cabinet Member indicate the additional tax burden falling on the Vale of
Glamorgan Council in respect of the proposed increase in National Insurance
contributions imposed by the UK Government?
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No.
Reply from the Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Performance and
Resources
The direct impact of the NI increase in 2022/23 was calculated as part of the
Budget proposals to be £1.034m – this figure includes all schools.
In terms of the indirect impact on for instance social care providers – we haven’t
been able to put a figure on this as we do not have sufficient detail on our
suppliers pay and the increases to Social Care Providers for 2022/23 would reflect
the RLW increase and other inflationary impacts such as energy costs.
Supplemental
Councillor Franks sought an assurance from the Leader that all front line services
would be protected in the face of increased National Insurance contributions.
The Leader referred to the fact that the increase had been budgeted for as part of
the Council’s budget setting process and alluded to approximately £1m of
additional costs that had been accounted for. The budget setting process for the
previous financial year identified £24m shortfall and that the Council had received
a good budget settlement from the Welsh Government. However, she did not
know what the settlement would be for the future financial year, but it was unlikely
that it would be at the same level. Alluding to the forthcoming budget setting
process that the Council would be undertaking, this would need to take account of
a number of additional financial challenges and she specifically referred to energy
prices and inflationary pressures. She would do all that was humanly possible to
protect services starting with the most vulnerable.
(xv) Question from Councillor C.P. Franks
The Cabinet Member will be aware of increasing concerns in Dinas Powys
regarding road safety. Will you indicate what measures are being implemented to
make our streets safer?
Reply from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places
Thank you for your question, however, I note that you do not provide any specific
details relating to your road safety concerns and it is therefore difficult for me to
respond specifically.
The Council receives numerous concerns regarding a variety of aspects relating to
road safety throughout the Vale and investigates those concerns as appropriate
and as far as reasonably practicable given the current resource available and its
current powers and responsibilities.
I would firstly clarify that the Council as local highway authority has a statutory
duty under Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to undertake studies into road
traffic collisions, and to take steps both to reduce and prevent them as far as
reasonably practicable and appropriate. To carry out this duty, the Council
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No.
reviews collision data provided by the Welsh Government on a six monthly basis
relating to injury collisions which have occurred within the Vale’s local highway
network and considers the evidence and potential contributary factors associated
with those collisions. Where necessary based on this analysis and the potential
cause of any collision, the Council will consider schemes to improve road safety
subject to available funding. This includes Dinas Powys, however, I am unaware
of any serious injury collision within the village which require any specific and
immediate consideration at this time.
There is quite often some confusion over responsibilities with regard to highway
safety matters and speed related issues.
Although, the Council sets speed limits, the primary responsibility for speed
enforcement rests with the Police and the Council has no powers to deal with
speeding offences. For this reason, we recommend that contacting South Wales
Police should always be the first line of approach taken by members of the public
who are concerned about speeding issues in their local area. Alternatively,
residents can make a request for speed camera enforcement direct with GoSafe,
the Wales Casualty Reduction Partnership, whose primary function is to make
Welsh roads safer by reducing road casualties. However, the Council, Police and
GoSafe will generally recommend residents consider the setting up of a
community speed watch scheme which has proven to helpful deterring speeding in
local areas throughout Wales and of which there are many example throughout
the Vale. Details can be found on the GoSafe website.
In exceptional circumstances, where there is a significant history of personal injury
collisions, and where police and/or GoSafe action has failed to reduce speeding
offences and improve road safety, the Council will consider introducing further
measures to assist with speed enforcement such as traffic calming. Such
measures are expensive to introduce and where further measures are considered
necessary then those schemes compete for limited Welsh Government grant
funding, where in most, if not all cases, the most severe locations are awarded
funding. The Council has currently accumulated a significant number of schemes
that are awaiting future funding.
Finally, you will also be aware of the Welsh Government proposal for 20mph
speeding limits in Wales following the issue of advice on 12th July, 2022 by the
Head of Neighbourhood Services and Transport. The Senedd also voted on and
approved the proposal to reduce the default speed limit from 30mph to 20 mph on
restricted roads and residential streets on 12th July, 2022. Council officers are
currently working through the requirements of the legislation to understand the
implications within the Vale and which roads will be impacted after having
successfully taken part in one of eight Welsh Government pilots for the 20mph
default speed in St. Brides Major. The default speed limit is due to be implemented
in September 2023 and this measure would hopefully address ongoing road safety
concerns relating to speed not only in Dinas Powys but throughout the Vale where
the limit is to be implemented. I anticipate that the Council will be able to provide
further details on the implications for individual areas in Autumn 2022.
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No.
Supplemental
Referring to the necessary investment, policing, enforcement and the lack of
safety schemes including the provision of a camera safe scheme in Dinas Powys
which volunteers were happy to support if provided the equipment, Councillor
Franks asked the Cabinet Member what she was going to do about it.
The Cabinet Member referred to her initial response and reminded Councillor
Franks that these measures would help address the issues he raised. The
Council was taking serious steps to address road safety and reminded Councillor
Franks that the Police also had an important role to play in the issue.
(vxi) Question from Councillor C.P. Franks
In the event of serious flooding of residential and commercial properties what
plans exist to safe guard vulnerable people?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services
The Council’s Civil Protection Unit (CPU) operate a 24/7 365 duty officer system to
respond to emergencies. The CPU works with other service areas to respond and
if necessary will open an emergency control room, usually based at the Alps in
Wenvoe. In the event of a flooding emergency, officers will contact the Social
Services Emergency Duty Team to ascertain if there are any known vulnerable
residents within the area, but it should be noted these would only be if they are
social services clients.
Welsh Government are working on a system called JIGSO which is a web service
that allows the user to be able to search a specific area of a map and identify the
properties within which are vulnerable citizens who may require assistance during
an emergency such as flooding/snowfall or perhaps an area being affected by
smoke. For example, the user can draw a circle/polygon around an area and
within a matter of minutes, be able to identify which households require
assistance. This will allow vulnerable citizens to receive priority assistance to
prepare for an emerging incident, receive additional support as a result of an
event e.g. water bottles, or evacuate if required.
In the case of Storm Bella in 2020, to obtain data on which properties required
assistance took some time, with JIGSO this information can obtained in a couple
of minutes. The maps can also be changed i.e. a black and white map just
showing outlines or perhaps a satellite map (similar to Google Earth but in more
detail) can be selected.
The system, which is unique to the UK, now means that data is now available
within minutes detailing the most vulnerable citizens in our communities so they
can be supported when an incident occurs.
In addition the CPU has produced a new Community Flood Plan and Extreme
Weather Guidance, that explains how to prepare a Community Flood Plan. This
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plan can be completed by households and as a community or flood group. This
can help communities develop local level plans that will assist local communities
and groups to identify and prepare plans for any vulnerable residents within their
local community who may need extra assistance, guidance can be found on the
Council’s website where you will also find further information and guidance, for
residents and businesses, on what to do before, during and after a flooding event.
Supplemental
Referring to the recent flooding events in Dinas Powys Councillor Franks asked
the Cabinet Member if he would reconsider the level of support from the Council in
future to vulnerable residents.
Disagreeing with Councillor Franks’ assessment of the support provided by the
Council during the recent flooding events having seen related reports, it was his
view officers had worked hard to support affected residents.
(xvii) Question from Councillor J.E. Charles
Will the Cabinet Member please outline the Council’s waste recycling targets and
confirm if these are being met.
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services
The last measured recycling and the minimum Local Authority recovery (recycling,
preparation for re-use and composting) target was 64% (2019 / 2020).
The Council had to achieve a recycling rate of 64% within this target year and
thereafter up until 2023 / 2024. During the target year of 2019 / 2020, the Council
recorded a recycling rate of 70.3% exceeding the statutory target.
The next measured target will be 70% by 2024 / 2025. At present, the Council
continues to exceed the statutory targets and it is currently the second highest
performing Council in Wales and on target to achieve and exceed the 2024 / 2025
target.
Supplemental
Referring to the current emergencies, Councillor Charles enquired if the Council
would make more savings from increasing recycling and reuse rates.
The Cabinet Member indicated that the Council had plans to do this and referred
to the new waste transfer station at Cowbridge with a further facility to be provided
at the Atlantic Trading Estate, Barry.
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No.
(xviii) Question from Councillor C.E.A. Champion
Will the Cabinet Member consider increasing the number of separated recycling
waste bins in the public spaces across the Vale?
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services
There are no immediate plans to provide separated recycling bins for town and
rural litter as previous trials affected recycling quality and increased contamination
levels due to poor compliance by users with the various separate recycling
compartments.
However, when the Council’s new recycling plant opens next year there will be
greater service flexibility for further trials and hopefully improved compliance due
to there being a greater awareness now amongst residents and visitors of the
need to effectively recycle all waste. We will therefore plan to undertake further
work in this area during 2023.
Supplemental
Councillor Champion enquired why the Council did not have separated recycle
bins when other Councils did.
In response the Cabinet Member referred Councillor Champion to his original reply
for the reasons.