Venue: Council Chamber - Neuadd Maldwyn, Welshpool, Powys. View directions
Contact: Shane Thomas tel. 01597 826430 e-mail. shanet@powys.gov.uk
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Apologies To receive apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies for absence were accepted from Councillors D. Bailey, L.V. Corfield , E.R. Davies, S.M. Hayes, P. Harris, E.M. Jones, D.R. Jones, W.T. Jones, P.E. Lewis, D.J. Mayor P.C. Pritchard, K.M. Roberts-Jones and W.B. Thomas.
In attendance: Jeremy Patterson – Chief Executive, Dale Boyington – Development Manager, Chris Lloyd – Area Traffic Engineer and Shane Thomas – Clerk.
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Minutes of Previous Meeting PDF 86 KB To receive the Minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 3rd February 2016. Minutes: The Chairman was authorised to sign the minutes of the previous meeting of the Committee held on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 as a correct record.
A member raised the issue of parking and the need to ensure that replacement permits can be provided to members to allow for parking at the offices of the Council. The Clerk would link with the relevant department.
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Declarations of Interest To receive declarations of interest in relation to matters to be discussed on the agenda. Minutes: There were no declarations of interest made in relation to items on the agenda.
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Chairman's Announcements To receive announcements from the Chairman. Minutes: The Chairman reported on having officiated at a number of citizenship ceremonies.
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Future Fit Programme Update (10.15 - 10.45) To receive an update in relation to the Future Fit Programme. Minutes: Members welcomed representatives from the Future Fit Programme to the meeting to update on matters. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Engagement – those running the programme to re-shape the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust Emergency, Critical and Urgent Care estate had recognised the importance of input and engagement by the public, stakeholders, employees, patients and shire members and would continue to do so throughout the process b. Pressures (Current Estate) – there are particular pressures in relation to the current estate which mean that it is not maintainable or affordable for the longer term. Recruitment and retention of staff being a key issue to address c. Sustainability and Transformation Plan – alongside the Future Fit Programme there are requirements to be met in relation to the need to produce a sustainability and transformation plan for the next five years which will set out how services will be delivered across the NHS area d. Public Consultation (Affordable Option) – the Board had yet to confirm its options for public consultation. There had been issues with regard to proposed models being affordable which had been challenged by the Clinical Commissioning Group. Options had been reviewed in the light of the challenge and proposals had been re-submitted for a view. The outcome would be expected shortly. Members urged those running the programme to look to site Emergency Care as close to Powys as possible. The intention would be to move to public consultation towards the end of 2016/beginning of 2017. It’s expected that there would be significant media attention during the public consolation period e. Access – access had, and would continue to be, recognised as an issue. It’s accepted that there are concerns in relation to the distance to be travelled in order to access care, however, the outcome of the Future Fit programme would provide better access to specialist services at designated sites which would, in-turn, provide a better outcome. Public transport, road links and the siting of health and treatment facilities remain an issue for residents of Montgomeryshire. In most parts of the shire it would take in excess of 90 minutes to reach Telford for care f. Powys teaching Health Board – the Powys teaching Health Board has representation on the Programme Board and there’s regular engagement in relation to the Future Fit Programme. There are significant opportunities for representatives from the Powys teaching Health Board to engage g. Welsh Ambulance Service – it is not clear whether systems which operate between ambulance services and hospital sites and across the Welsh/English border link. A member reported an experience where calls had been made to a hospital by a member of the public regarding a patient being transported by the Welsh Ambulance Service where no information could be obtained. The Chairman agreed to refer the matter to the CHC for response
Members thanked representatives for keeping the shire updated on the programme. It was agreed to circulate the presentation and members would welcome being kept updated when ... view the full minutes text for item MS16-2016 |
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Road Safety and Traffic Management Schemes (10.45 - 11.30) To consider the below Road Safety and Traffic Management Schemes. Minutes: Members welcomed Dale Boyington – Development Manager and Chris Lloyd – Area Traffic Engineer to the meeting for this item of business.
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Traffic Management - developments and impacts (Councillor Graham Brown) Minutes: 6.1 Traffic Management – Developments and Impacts
Councillor Brown had requested a discussion at the meeting with regard to the imminent impact on the highway network of significant movements of heavy traffic to transport equipment for windfarm developments. The movements would coincide with significant works at Newtown to create a bypass. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Dialogue with the Welsh Government – plans to create significant windfarm developments in areas of Powys had been the subject of discussion for the last nine years. The Authority had engaged but had very little influence over matters, including arrangements for transporting equipment to be used in developments. The needs of the developer to create sites and bring them into working order by 31st March 2017 had been driven by the subsidy deadline. Any influence over arrangements would be better driven by the police b. Summer Movement Embargos- Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AIL’s) – in recognition of the importance, and use of, the highway network in Powys during the summer period the Welsh Government had restricted use for the movement of abnormal loads. However, this year the embargo would be lifted for windfarm development vehicles c. Movement Schedule – Russell George, Assembly Member reported that he had received the commitment of the First Minister back in February that the summer period would be avoided, however, plans being negotiated at the moment and a recent response by the Transport Minister to the Assembly Member had confirmed that there would be summer movements of AIL’s. Options are currently being finalised and it is anticipated that there will be two convoys per day with two turbine components per convoy but this could be increased to three components per convoy if the police feel that safety will not be compromised and that delays are minimised. It is expected that convoys would operate from late July until near Christmas. The current plan is for the convoy(s) to travel from the east of England via Manchester and then be picked up by the Welsh police force at Wrexham and then travel south on the A483 with the convoy travelling through Welshpool at around midday, the second convoy would need to allow for the end of the journey to fall before nightfall. Deliveries to the Garreg Lwyd site south of Newtown would travel through the length of Newtown, then through the Mochdre Industrial Estate and access the A483 off a new ramp currently being constructed. The convoy movement through Newtown is likely to present significant challenges due to the high volumes of traffic that exists on a daily basis. All convoys travelling through Wales will require a police escort and be undertaken during daylight hours (in England night-time movement is often permitted along major arterial routes with self-escort vehicles but in many situations there is still a requirement for the police to escort). Trial runs undertaken a few years ago had proved that the route could accommodate the convoys and that the runs had worked well, however, ... view the full minutes text for item MS18-2016 |
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20mph Restrictions (Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion) PDF 70 KB To consider the report. Additional documents:
Minutes: 6.2 20mph Restrictions (Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion)
Members were reminded of the Welsh Government commitment to provide funding to introduce 20 mph speed limits near all schools. Proposed modifications at Machynlleth and Llanfair Caereinion would be met from Welsh Government funding. Members RESOLVED:
1. To initiate the Traffic Regulation Order consultation procedure in accordance with The Local Authority’s Traffic Orders (Procedures) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 2. That consultation procedures be initiative and if no substantive objections are received the proposal be implemented
The local members for both areas would urge that works be undertaken as quickly as possible. A member requested that when undertaking works near high school sites that the local members for the catchment schools be informed in addition to the ward member in which the school lies. |
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Caereinion Footpath and Traffic Management - Derek Price PDF 68 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: 6.3 Caereinion Footpath and Traffic Management
Members RESOLVED: that the scheme be approved and included in the Capital Programme for 2016/17
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C2050 Prohibition of Driving Except for Access (Garthmyl Retail Garden Nursery) PDF 72 KB To consider the report. Additional documents:
Minutes: 6.4 C2050 Prohibition of Driving Except for Access (Garthmyl Retail Garden Nursery)
Members RESOLVED: to authorise the local Highway Authority to commence the legal public consultation procedures for the proposed traffic regulation order, and if no substantive objections are received, implement the prohibition of driving Order.
It was noted that the applicant would provide a contribution towards the costs of undertaking works.
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Reports from and Questions to Cabinet Portfolio Holders To receive reports from and to put questions to Cabinet Portfolio Holders. Minutes: Members welcomed the opportunity to receive reports from, and to put questions to, Cabinet Portfolio Holders.
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Councillor Graham Brown - Deputy Leader/Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Commissioning and Procurement/Children's Services Minutes:
7.1 Councillor Graham Brown – Deputy Leader/Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Commissioning and Procurement/Children’s Services
Members had been e-mailed an activity update prior to today’s meeting and were encouraged to raise any matters relating to portfolio activities direct with the Portfolio Holder. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Freedom Leisure - a member raised an issue brought to him from a resident with regard to charges at a leisure centre having increased because they were no longer able to purchase single activity passes (the requirement was for a pass which allowed for full use of all facilities). The matter would be referred to the relevant officer for response. In general terms fee charges would be reviewed in consultation between the site operator and Council b. Community Delivery / Asset Transfers – communities would urge clarity in terms of the costs associated with the running of facilities being considered for asset/community transfer and in relation to specifications that they would be required to deliver to i.e. in Berriew the specification would hold the community to deliver three annual grass cuts, the grass had only previously been cut twice. The Portfolio Holder would ensure that officers are informed of the need for communities to have detail in order to allow consideration of matters c. Car Parking Charges (Llanfair Caereinion) - Councillor Viola Evans reported that she had requested to attend Cabinet when matters regarding charging for car parking at a park in Llanfair Caereinion would be considered. The member would welcome clarity with regard to whether the decision in relation to charges would be for Cabinet or for an individual portfolio holder d. Planning (Consulting with Town and Community Councils) – a member reported concerns from his community council with regard to the Authority no longer providing paper copies of information in relation to planning applications. Other members reported similar concerns. It was agreed to refer the matter to the portfolio holder and ask for an update/discussion at the next meeting. It was suggested that an update to a future meeting in relation to the above could also include information in relation to wider planning issues i.e. the functions undertaken by the planning office, roles and names of contacts and pre-planning advice etc.
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Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Property, Buildings and Housing Minutes: 7.2 Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Property, Buildings and Housing
Members had been e-mailed an activity update prior to today’s meeting and were encouraged to raise any matters relating to portfolio activities direct with the Portfolio Holder.
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Reports from and Questions to Members Serving on Outside Bodies To receive reports from, and put questions to, members serving on outside bodies. Minutes: Members welcomed the opportunity to receive reports from, and to put questions to, members serving on outside bodies. |
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Community Health Council - Vacancy To appoint to a vacant position on the Community Health Council. Minutes: 8.1 Community Health Council – Vacancy
Members agreed to defer appointing to a vacant positon on the Community Health Council to the next meeting. Although the CHC would prefer a member to serve a non-member appointed by the shire would be accepted. The Clerk would advise the CHC of the above and e-mail members after today’s meeting to request expressions of interest for the position.
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Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Liaision Group PDF 111 KB To receive a Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Liaision Group update report – Councillor Michael Williams. Minutes: 8.2 Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Group
Members welcomed an update report, Councillor Williams urged members to view the final pages of his report which included detail in relation to the Welsh Government consultation document entitled ‘Setting the Direction for Wales and Borders Rail’.
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Correspondence To receive items of correspondence. |
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Town Park, Centenary Fields (Newtown) - Councillor Aled Davies Minutes:
9.1 Town Park, Centenary Fields (Newtown)
The Chairman reported receipt of a letter from Newtown Town Council requesting that park land be identified as ‘centenary’ land which would protect the area from development and secure it for recreational use in memory of the millions who lost their lives in WWI. The Chief Executive informed members that the Authority was in the throes of reviewing the use of its assets and that it would not be the right time to consider the space for that purpose. However, once the review had been complete there could be further considerations. The Town Council would be updated and informed.
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Severn Trent Waste Treatment Site - Welshpool (12.00 - 12.45) To receive an update in relation to the operation of the Welshpool Waste Treatment Site. Minutes: Members welcomed an update in relation to the activities Severn Trent Water undertakes in Wales. Severn Trent Water is one of just three water authorities operating in Wales. It serves 33,000 Welsh households and 2000 businesses operating in Wales. There’s an extensive and significant investment programme in the Powys area over the next five years and there is a strong focus on customer engagement/involvement (engaging with the public remains a key performance indicator). There are a range of promotional and education activities undertaken i.e. school visits and this year promotion will include attendance at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show. During discussion a member referred to being a school governor and that there had been some difficulty in identifying a suspected water leak. It was reported that a free service had been withdrawn some time ago, however, Severn Trent Water hold a list of approved plumbers who could be approached in this regard. Information had been published on the web. Leak identification and prevention had been recognised as a priority, it’s estimated that 23-24% of water in the network is lost due to leakage (this figure includes water drawn from the network for particular use i.e. firefighting).
Members were advised that significant works would be undertaken (mainly in mid Powys) to ensure that water supplies from the Elan Valley Reservoir to Birmingham are maintained (the reservoir being 73 miles long and it takes 1.5 days for water to travel its length).
In closing a member urged utility companies to link when undertaking works in areas so that they could plan for works better and together in order to limit local disruption.
Members were invited to view the Welshpool facility after the meeting and to take part in a guided tour. The following members attended for the tour of the site Councillors A.W. Davies, F.H. Jump, D.C. Jones, D.R. Jones, K.R.J. Jones, G.R. Thomas, G.M. Jones, R.I. George, J.R. Powell (Portfolio Holder).
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Date of Next Meeting To note the date of the next meeting – Wednesday 8th June 2016. Minutes: The next meeting would be held on Wednesday 8th June 2016.
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