Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of personal interest.

RESOLVED that the decision record of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services held on the 7^th February, 2024 be signed as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member considered a report on proposals to stop up a length of the public highway with Bridleway Rights reserved at the former opencast site known as Gilfach Iago.

It was reported that the area of public highway would be stopped up by way of Order at Magistrates Court under Section 116 of the Highways Act 1980 subject to the reservation of bridleway rights (Section 116(4)), use of which is for pedestrians, horse riders and pedal cyclists. 

The Cabinet Member was advised that highway rights would be extinguished for motor vehicles only, with rights remaining for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. In this regard, it was expressed that the reinstatement of public access would be beneficial for the communities of Blaenau, Saron and Penygroes to enjoy once more, given that the area was an operational mining area for many years under Celtic Energy. It was also reported that opening this part of the network for the public would connect to the existing footpath network that already in place within the area, thereby strengthening connections between the communities and supporting the wider network, including Active Travel aspirations between Ammanford and Cross Hands.

The Cabinet Member was appraised of the initial consultation outcome and noted that a statutory consultation process was to follow.

RESOLVED that it be recommended to the Head of Administration and Law to proceed with the Stopping Up of a length of public highway with Bridleway Rights reserved at the former Opencast Site known as Gilfach Iagounder Section 116(4) of the Highways Act 1980 .