Agenda and minutes

That the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 March, 2019, be approved.

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme for 2018/19.  

The Committee scrutinised the following Cabinet Board item:-

Cabinet Board Proposals

Neath Port Talbot Local Development Plan (LDP) – Consideration of: the responses to the comments received following consultation on draft Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG); and the adoption and publication procedures to be implemented

The Committee received information in relation to the Supplementary Planning Guidance document relating to ‘The Historic Environment’.

Members questioned why the whale and penguin figures at Aberafan Seafront had been removed from the document. It was explained that these structures had been removed from the list following a comprehensive review of the schedule of buildings/structures, which had concluded that they met just two out of five set criteria and therefore did not warrant inclusion.

Members asked if there was a timeline for bringing forward the Conservation Area Appraisals. It was explained that whilst there was no specific timeframe, the intention was to progress the work over the next twelve months.

Members raised the progress of works along the Canal Network. Officers stated they were unable to give full details but would come back to Members with the additional information if requested. It was explained that parts of the canal network had been safeguarded in the LDP and certain areas had received Welsh Government Active Travel Funding to improve cycle/pedestrian access along the towpaths. These improvements were due to be completed by May 2019. 

It was also noted that the canal network was under different ownership in different locations and that maintenance of the canals was expensive.  It was noted that the Swansea Canal Projects were carried out with volunteers, and it would be good to set up such a scheme in Neath.

Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet Board.

With the permission of the Chair the following was raised as an urgent item for discussion at today’s meeting pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Reason for Urgency:

Due to the time element.

Establishment of the Local Project Board for Neath Port Talbot

Members received information on the establishment of the Local Project Board, to be called ‘Local Regeneration Programme Board’, for Neath Port Talbot to provide partner’s input into the strategic regeneration programmes and projects impacting on the local area.

Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet Board.

The Committee scrutinised the following private matter:-

Neath Town Centre Redevelopment

Officers gave an overview of the private circulated report on Neath Town Centre Development.

Members welcomed the proposals and supported a procurement exercise for the scheme which would assist with the redevelopment of Neath Town Centre.

Following Scrutiny, the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be considered by Cabinet Board.