Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from the Chair, Councillor N S Bradley.

In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interest was declared.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Economy & Investment Cabinet Advisory Committee held on 12 November 2014.

The Minutes of the Meeting of the Economy & Investment Cabinet Advisory Committee held on 12 November 2014 was approved as a correct record.

Councillor R Francis Davies has been invited to this meeting to outline his policies and key areas of responsibilities.

Councillor R Francis Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development & Regeneration attended to outline his key areas of responsibilities.

He stated that his portfolio included:-

·       City Region

·       Economic Development and Investment

·       Planning Policy/ LDP

·       Adult Learning/Workways

·       City of Culture

·       Suburban Centres

·       Libraries

He suggested that it would be worthwhile for this Cabinet Advisory Committee to undertake an analysis of libraries after a review has been undertaken and this could be substituted for the investigation into Credit Union Policies. He agreed that the Destination Management Plan should be a priority area of investigation and that best practice in relation to District Shopping Centres should be investigated. Councillor Francis Davies also indicated that he did not think that it would be beneficial for the Committee to examine Section 106 Agreements.

Councillor Francis Davies was thanked for attending the Committee and providing the Committee with important and relevant areas to incorporate onto the action plan.

AGREED that an analysis on libraries be incorporated into the work programme instead of Credit Union Policies.

Ryan Thomas and Chris Allingham attending.

Ryan Thomas and Chris Allingham gave an overview regarding Section 106 Agreements. It was stated that as a result of 2010 Planning Obligations an infrastructure planning levy would be introduced on all new developments in line with the Local Development Plan. This has been introduced to overcome the inconsistency in Section 106 Agreements.

The Priorities for Planning Obligations were outlined and included:-

·       Delivery of development plan objectives

·       Infrastructure requirements

·       Mitigating measures

·       Other social economy or environment impacts

·       Viability assessment

·       Process should ensure that the viability of scheme not prejudiced

It was stated that Part of the Supplementary Planning Guidance was Affordable Housing Policy. The basis of calculation was based on size of site, proportion and mix together with layout and design.

Other aspects that were described were:-

·       Transport

·       Outdoor Play Space

·       Education

·       Ecology

·       Employment and Enterprise

·       Public Art

Examples of suitable and appropriate Section 106 Agreements were given. Ryan Thomas and Chris Allingham were thanked for their useful and informative presentation.

It was suggested that this presentation be given to the new members of the Planning Committee as part of the training programme and that it may be helpful if all Councillors also have this presentation.

The meeting ended at 6.56p.m.