Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors A. Davies, W.R.A. Davies, D.C. Evans, G.B. Thomas and A. Vaughan Owen.

There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.

The following declarations of personal interest were made:-

No public questions had been received.

(NOTE:

1.    Councillor J. Gilasbey having earlier declared an interest in this item left the council chamber during its consideration by the Committee,

2.    Councillors W.T. Evans and M.J.A Lewis had earlier declared an interest in this item)

The Committee received for consideration the Revised Carmarthenshire Local Development Plan 2018-2033 Draft Deposit produced in accordance with Council’s decision in January 2018. It was noted that the report represented an important milestone in the Plans’ delivery by identifying the Council’s land use vision, strategic objectives and strategic growth requirements through to 2033.

The Committee was advised that following its consideration the Plan, including candidate sites and other supporting documents, would be submitted to Council in November 2019 for approval for public consultation, anticipated for December 2019. Any representations received as part of that consultation, along with the Draft Deposit LDP, would then would be reported back to the Council for consideration prior to submission to the Welsh Government in August 2020 for an Examination in Public and formal adoption by December 2021.

It was noted that page 9 of the report’s Executive Summary detailed a number of the key themes and policy areas set out within the revised LDP with the Plan’s fundamental ethos being the promotion of growth. Those themes and policies had regard to issues such as place making, climate change and the creation of cohesive communities whilst also reflecting Welsh Government National Planning Policies.

The following questions/issues were raised on the report:

·         It was noted that Strategic Policy SP12 – Rural development set out how the Plan would support development proposals that would contribute towards the sustainability of the County’s rural communities. Whilst those proposals were welcomed, a question was raised on whether the Revised LDP could address the limitations of the current plans policies in relation to the granting of new homes to enable children of farmers to reside on the farm holding.

The Forward Planning Manager advised that whilst the LDP could endeavour to help promote that provision, any adopted policies would have to take cognisance of, and adhere to, National Planning Policies set by the Welsh Government. He advised that the Council’s Rural Task Force had previously discussed the issue and made a number of recommendations thereon which had been included within the Draft Deposit Plan, where possible.

The Forward Planning Manager also stated the above position was not unique to Carmarthenshire and was reflected throughout rural Wales. Whilst officers could lobby the Welsh Government on the point, similar political representations would also need to be made.

·         Reference was made to 4.30 on page 46 of the report on migration levels and an explanation sought on the reasons for the increase in the 30-44 age group moving into the county.

The Committee was advised that whilst the statistics were showing a positive migration pattern in the above age group, it was difficult to quantify any particular reason behind the statistic. What was evidenced, was the migration was coming from within and not outside Wales and,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Committee considered a list of forthcoming items to be considered at its next meeting to be held on the 19^th November 2019. It was noted there was also an intention for a budget monitoring report to be submitted to the meeting.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items for the Committee meeting to be held on the 19^th November, 2019 be agreed subject to the inclusion of a budget monitoring report