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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED – That the Local Development Plan be submitted to Full Council for a decision to be made on the matter. Reason for decision To meet the requirements of The Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2005 to adopt the LDP within 8 weeks of receiving the Inspectors’ Report.
RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made to date be noted, along with the plans for ongoing improvements in line with the Report and recommendations of PAS and the agreed Action Plan. (ii) That the Executive Board continue to receive 6-monthly progress reports on the implementation of the Action Plan and the impact of actions on performance. Reason for decisions To enable the Planning Committee and Development Management service to make improvements, better to serve the people of Wrexham and the wider public interest.
RESOLVED – (i) That the report be approved, and the partnership working with Warm Wales for delivery of Eco Flexible Funding be supported. (ii) That the Chief Officer for Economy and Planning be given delegated authority for delivery of the Council’s responsibilities as outlined in the report and in particular signing off and publishing the Statement of Intent shown in Appendix 1 to report COEP/22/23. (iii) That the Chief Officer for Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Lead Member of Planning & Public Protection, be given delegated authority for the signing off and delivery of future amended Statement of Intents where changing in eligibility or process are required. (iv) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item in accordance with Section 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To support effective collaborative working for improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty in eligible properties in the Borough. (ii) To comply with governance requirements for use of Eco Flexible Funding made available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO 4, 2022 – 2026. (iii) To avoid the need for a further report to Executive Board when an updated version of the Statement of Intent is required. (iv) The scheme is likely to commence in the next few weeks and therefore a published Statement of Intent is required before referrals can be actioned.
RESOLVED – (i) That Members approve the distribution of the remaining funds - £135,494 as detailed in paragraph 2.7 of report COEP/27/23. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item in accordance with Section 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living.
RESOLVED - (i) That the previously agreed amount of £80,000 to host the Tour series be agreed, with an additional £44,000 associated with hosting the Tour of Britain Stage Finish 2023 in September 2023 and associated costs in the ‘services provided’ list in Appendix 1 to report COEP/33/23 estimated but not limited to £30,000. (ii) To commit to the ‘Services to be Provided by the Host Region/Venue(s)’as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. Reason for decisions To raise the profile of Wrexham as a City for significant events; to increase footfall in the City Centre and to boost the economy.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 7 March 2023 be signed as a correct record.
Members were reminded of their responsibility, under Paragraph 11 of the Members’ Code of Conduct, to declare any interests in relation to any of the business to be transacted at this meeting. The following declarations were made: Agenda Item 5 – Wrexham Local Development Plan (LDP) Councillors Hugh Jones and Paul Roberts – Personal – Knows of somebody who has an interest in land in the Local Development Plan. Councillor M G Morris – Personal Councillor Phil Wynn – Personal – Local Authority representative on the Parochial Trust who are local landowners with a pending planning application for a housing development. The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and in the case of Executive Board Members, voting thereon. Agenda Item 9 – Tour of Britain Stage Finish 2023 Councillor Andy Gallanders – Personal – Owns a business and this item is regarding a town centre event. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon. Agenda Item 13 – Wrexham Gateway – Delivery of LUF Projects Councillors David A Bithell and Paul Pemberton – Personal – Season ticket holder at Wrexham Football Club. The Councillors remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion and in the case of Executive Board Members, voting thereon. Councillor Brian Cameron – Personal – Season ticket holder at Wrexham Football Club, Member of Kings Mills Reds and a Member of Wrexham New Supporters Group. The Councillor remained in the meeting taking part in the discussion thereon.
In accordance with Section 5.8.16 of the Council’s Constitution, four members of the public submitted questions relating to the Local Development Plan. The Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection responded to the questions accordingly.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – That the Local Development Plan be submitted to Full Council for a decision to be made on the matter. Reason for decision To meet the requirements of The Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2005 to adopt the LDP within 8 weeks of receiving the Inspectors’ Report.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 117 above) The Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection submitted a report (COEP/26/23) to present the findings of the Inspectors’ Report into the examination of the Local Development Plan, to set out the Council’s legal duties to adopt the Plan and to seek agreement that the LDP be presented to Council to determine whether to formally adopt it. A detailed discussion ensued and the Lead Member and Officers responded to questions accordingly. During the debate, the following points were raised: · Confirmation that Members had two options to consider at Council. The first was to adopt the plan and the second was to not adopt the plan. There was no option to withdraw from the process unless the Minister had provided direction to withdraw, and it was noted that there had not been any conversations with the Minister regarding this. · Concern that the plan didn’t align with national policy, particularly with regards to agricultural land, housing allocation requirements, affordable housing and the Well-being of Future Generations legislation. · Concern that the suggested gypsy and traveller site may not be safe due to contamination issues. · Recognition that whilst there were differing views regarding the Plan, Members were being asked today to agree that it be submitted to Council for a decision to be made regarding its adoption. RESOLVED – That the Local Development Plan be submitted to Full Council for a decision to be made on the matter. Reason for decision To meet the requirements of The Town and Country Planning (Local Development Plan) (Wales) Regulations 2005 to adopt the LDP within 8 weeks of receiving the Inspectors’ Report.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made to date be noted, along with the plans for ongoing improvements in line with the Report and recommendations of PAS and the agreed Action Plan. (ii) That the Executive Board continue to receive 6-monthly progress reports on the implementation of the Action Plan and the impact of actions on performance. Reason for decisions To enable the Planning Committee and Development Management service to make improvements, better to serve the people of Wrexham and the wider public interest.
The Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection submitted a report (COEP/28/23) to update Members on the progress of the Action Plan to improve the performance of the Planning Service in light of the recommendations made by the Planning Advisory Service (PAS) following its independent review of the Planning Committee and the Development Management Service. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. The following points were raised during the debate: · Acknowledgement that there was a significant backlog of planning applications due to the need to address the issue of phosphates in relation to site allocations. · A review of the LDP process would be instigated as soon as the LDP had been concluded. · Concern regarding the Scheme of Delegation. It was subsequently agreed by the Lead Member that a review of the Scheme would be undertaken. · Confirmation by Officers that staffing levels have greatly improved, and there were very few vacancies within the Department. · Confirmation that the Planning computer system was being replaced which would help to address the backlog of applications, and also improve performance management monitoring. It was anticipated that the new system would be in place by April 2024. · Suggestion that external training by the WLGA should be provided to Members on Planning issues. · Importance of reviewing the local Planning guidance. It was noted that the review could only commence once the LDP had been approved. RESOLVED – (i) That the progress made to date be noted, along with the plans for ongoing improvements in line with the Report and recommendations of PAS and the agreed Action Plan. (ii) That the Executive Board continue to receive 6-monthly progress reports on the implementation of the Action Plan and the impact of actions on performance. Reason for decisions To enable the Planning Committee and Development Management service to make improvements, better to serve the people of Wrexham and the wider public interest.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That the report be approved, and the partnership working with Warm Wales for delivery of Eco Flexible Funding be supported. (ii) That the Chief Officer for Economy and Planning be given delegated authority for delivery of the Council’s responsibilities as outlined in the report and in particular signing off and publishing the Statement of Intent shown in Appendix 1 to report COEP/22/23. (iii) That the Chief Officer for Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Lead Member of Planning & Public Protection, be given delegated authority for the signing off and delivery of future amended Statement of Intents where changing in eligibility or process are required. (iv) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item in accordance with Section 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To support effective collaborative working for improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty in eligible properties in the Borough. (ii) To comply with governance requirements for use of Eco Flexible Funding made available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO 4, 2022 – 2026. (iii) To avoid the need for a further report to Executive Board when an updated version of the Statement of Intent is required. (iv) The scheme is likely to commence in the next few weeks and therefore a published Statement of Intent is required before referrals can be actioned.
The Lead Member for Housing and the Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection submitted a report (COEP/22/23) to seek delegated authority for the Chief Officer Economy & Planning to sign off and publish a Statement of Intent for the use of Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO 4) funding. RESOLVED – (i) That the report be approved, and the partnership working with Warm Wales for delivery of Eco Flexible Funding be supported. (ii) That the Chief Officer for Economy and Planning be given delegated authority for delivery of the Council’s responsibilities as outlined in the report and in particular signing off and publishing the Statement of Intent shown in Appendix 1 to report COEP/22/23. (iii) That the Chief Officer for Economy and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Lead Member of Planning & Public Protection, be given delegated authority for the signing off and delivery of future amended Statement of Intents where changing in eligibility or process are required. (iv) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item in accordance with Section 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reasons for decisions (i) To support effective collaborative working for improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty in eligible properties in the Borough. (ii) To comply with governance requirements for use of Eco Flexible Funding made available under the Energy Company Obligation: ECO 4, 2022 – 2026. (iii) To avoid the need for a further report to Executive Board when an updated version of the Statement of Intent is required. (iv) The scheme is likely to commence in the next few weeks and therefore a published Statement of Intent is required before referrals can be actioned.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED – (i) That Members approve the distribution of the remaining funds - £135,494 as detailed in paragraph 2.7 of report COEP/27/23. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item in accordance with Section 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living.
The Lead Member for Housing and the Lead Member for Corporate Services submitted a report (COEP/27/23) asking Members to approve the proposed use of the remaining funds available to the Council to support residents of the County Borough in accessing a range of information and services to help with pressures associated with the continuing cost of living crisis. RESOLVED – (i) That Members approve the distribution of the remaining funds - £135,494 as detailed in paragraph 2.7 of report COEP/27/23. (ii) That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item in accordance with Section 5.8.10(m) of the Council’s Constitution. Reason for decisions To provide a timely response to this crisis and to work with partners to support those who are experiencing difficulties due to the rising cost of living.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED - (i) That the previously agreed amount of £80,000 to host the Tour series be agreed, with an additional £44,000 associated with hosting the Tour of Britain Stage Finish 2023 in September 2023 and associated costs in the ‘services provided’ list in Appendix 1 to report COEP/33/23 estimated but not limited to £30,000. (ii) To commit to the ‘Services to be Provided by the Host Region/Venue(s)’as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. Reason for decisions To raise the profile of Wrexham as a City for significant events; to increase footfall in the City Centre and to boost the economy.
(Members declarations of interest in relation to this item are set out in Minute 117 above) The Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration submitted a report (COEP/33/23) asking Members to approve Wrexham as the host of the Tour of Britain Stage Finish in September 2023. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. A debate ensued, and the following matters were raised: · Recognition that this potentially could provide a huge boost to the local economy. · Confirmation that event sponsors would be sought. · Confirmation that the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) sub group have responsibility for major capital projects, and this event would not fall within their remit. At present, tourism remains the responsibility of the six North Wales authorities, with a need to collaborate. · Concern that improvements to road surfaces would need to be made before the event. RESOLVED - (i) That the previously agreed amount of £80,000 to host the Tour series be agreed, with an additional £44,000 associated with hosting the Tour of Britain Stage Finish 2023 in September 2023 and associated costs in the ‘services provided’ list in Appendix 1 to report COEP/33/23 estimated but not limited to £30,000. (ii) To commit to the ‘Services to be Provided by the Host Region/Venue(s)’as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report. Reason for decisions To raise the profile of Wrexham as a City for significant events; to increase footfall in the City Centre and to boost the economy.
RESOLVED - That the press and public be excluded from the Meeting during consideration of the following items as it is likely that, if they were present, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 14 and 15 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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