Agenda item

The Committee received a report detailing the progress achieved in relation to actions, requests or referrals emerging from meetings since 18^th May 2018.

The following issues were raised during consideration of the report:-

• Action E&PP 009-18/19

In addition to the update provided within the report, the Head of Homes & Safer Communities provided a further verbal update assuring the Committee that the department had been working closely with Natural Resource Wales (NRW) who had issued a warning to the company involved the appropriate sanctions had been instated.  In addition, the NRW had increased their number of site visits by way of control and that they were satisfied with the actions made.  In light of the progress made, the Head of Homes & Safer Communities stated that the department were confident that there would not be a reoccurrence of the previous year’s fly infestation incident.

In response to a query regarding site visits, the Head of Homes & Safer Communities confirmed that the NRW had regularly visited the company’s premises on an ad-hoc basis.  The Executive Board Member for Public Protection stated that the extra planned site visits together with the introduction of additional pest control measures would avoid any potential infestation outbreaks.

• Action E&PP 011-18/19

With regard to S106 contributions, it was asked how the level of contribution sought is decided and who decides how the contributions are then spent.  The Head of Planning explained that in terms of the level of contribution sought there was a different formula for different types of need identified. For example, the means of calculating contributions to be sought in relation to open spaces was different to how contributions were calculated for affordable housing or education needs.

The Head of Planning explained the importance for Local Members to get involved early in the process when the level of contributions were being discussed either at the pre-application stage or once a planning application had been received.  The Local Member should at that time put forward any needs that they were aware of and were encouraged to discuss this with the relevant Department e.g. Education if the need related to schools as well as discussing with the Planning Case Officer.  Furthermore, any needs identified must be accompanied by evidence to substantiate that need.  The decision at the planning application stage sets the amount and type of need to be met.  These details would set out in the in the s106.  Once those monies have been collected by the Planning Division, applications could be submitted for using the various pots of money. The Local Member would then be consulted upon receipt of an expression of interest. The final decision as to whether the expression of interest was successful rests with the Head of Planning.

The Head of Planning noted that as a result of Asset Transfer there was a need to re-look at the methodology for identifying open space needs. This would be done as part of the new LDP and that in the meantime, an interim way forward needed to be identified. Officers were currently considering how to address this interim position.

A breakdown of the S106 contributions by ward was requested by Members.  The Head of Planning confirmed that a report was produced by ward twice a year for the Communities Scrutiny and that a copy could be provided for information at the same time for Environment and Public Protection Scrutiny Committee.  Furthermore, it was intended to coincide S106 discussions with the development of the LDP.  This would be achieved through attendance by the Forward Planning Team at Group meetings which were planned to occur over the summer months this year.

In response to a further query regarding the S106 process and associated terminology, the Head of Planning explained that whilst the process had not changed and the definitions remained the same, there had however been some improvements made to the administration and monitoring process. Members were encouraged to report any concerns regarding the process directly to the Head of Planning.

RESOLVED that the report be received.