Agenda item

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report

Cllr. Rahaman declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the meeting.

The Head of Leisure, Tourism, Heritage and Culture provided members with a brief overview of the report contained within the agenda pack. The report represented joint work between the Education and Environment directorates and was funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).

Members questioned whether the masterplan would be considered under a phased approach.

The Head of Service confirmed that the detail of the plan was still to be considered. A piece of work was included for the consultants to consider the first stage projects, but this was later removed. The approach will depend on what funding opportunities are available. There may be an early opportunity in relation to the Naval Club; it is currently closed but tenants are being sought. Work is required to produce a phased project list.

Members commented that the masterplan was promising, however, concern was raised regarding rubble that had been deposited near the Naval Club sand dunes, following the redevelopment of the old town in the 1960’s/1970’s. Recent storms have uncovered some of this waste and it was suggested that exploratory work should be undertaken to sample what may be underneath the sand.

The Head of Service confirmed that there was awareness that items have been uncovered on the beach due to coastal erosion and this will be taken into consideration. The plans for the sand dunes included boardwalk areas to manage erosion and protect biodiversity

Members questioned if there was sufficient car parking available at the beach, especially for camper vans.

The Head of Service commented that it was not unusual for seafront areas to face pressures relating to car parking, but confidence was held that sufficient parking was available for an average day. It was acknowledged that on peak days, parking could be an issue but there needed to be a balance, as any further provision would mean large areas of land being empty for other periods. Parking was available along the seafront within walking distance of areas of potential interest. There are proposals around car parking at zone one and the potential for car parking in zone two. In relation to camper van parking, there are more suitable opportunities across the county borough, proposals will be brought forward when appropriate.

Members commended officers for the thorough and positive report. However, there was disappointment that the area to the north of Princess Margaret Way was not included in the masterplan as members felt a holistic approach should be taken when seeking opportunities for regeneration. Concern was held regarding the possibility of raising the publics expectations in times of limited funding to achieve the plans. It was suggested that an addendum could be attached to the report, outlining funding streams.

Members commented that more housing was needed in the borough, the waiting list for a housing association property was high. It was suggested that a compromised position of a mixed use event space with housing would have been more appropriate. Members commented on the different ways for people to travel to the seafront and questioned how this was being taken into consideration.

The Head of Service advised members that whilst discussions had been held concerning the area to the north of Princess Margaret Way, the area was not included as it was not within the council’s ownership. It was acknowledged that funding was an issue and funding opportunities changed rapidly. The situation will be monitored, and the development of a strategic masterplan was helpful in gaining funding, where available. In relation to transport, there are plans for improved cycling links, particularly along the eastern side to link up with cycle routes.

The Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Well-being thanked all involved in developing the strategy. The plan has the potential to develop the seafront for residents and potential visitors. The need for additional housing was acknowledged, however, the site referenced in the plan needed to be treated as an exceptional site due to its location. This is the last available piece of land at the seafront that can be developed for seafront amenities.

Members acknowledged the need for a masterplan but raised concern over public expectations and asked that transport routes were taken into consideration should the plans move to an operational phase.

Members commented that this was the first seafront masterplan in twenty years and there was a need for this strategic document. Whilst regeneration work has taken place, the work has been disjointed and opportunities have been missed. It has been reassuring that feedback from members and the community has been taken on board. The plans are ambitious and as they are developed there is a need to address operational issues; the management of the sea front is disjointed across numerous departments and there is no dedicated management resource. This is in contrast to Margam Park, the Gnoll and town centres where dedicated managers are in place. There is no maintenance budget for the sea front which will need to be addressed. Members re-iterated the need to consider transport as the success of any events will be reliant on people being able to access the seafront. A park and ride scheme could be considered. It was noted that the operational responsibility was spread across directorates but fell mainly to the Environment Directorate at present. If the ambitions of the plan are to be fully realised, then any operational barriers need to be addressed.

The Head of Service gave reassurance that the issues raised, would be monitored.

Members commented that following increased investment and new projects in the area, the population was likely to increase. There was a need to link into these projects to identify any funding opportunities.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation outlined in the draft Cabinet report.

Cllr. Saifur Rahaman re-joined the meeting.