Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor JC Bayliss be elected Vice Chair of the Committee for the remainder of the Municipal Year.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P Lloyd, P B Smith and M Thomas.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, the following interest was declared:

Councillor J C Bayliss – Minute No.6 – Personal – Have discussed the Conservation Area Proposals with Officers previously.

The Terms of Reference for the Committee were noted.

Mr Russel Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea Business Improvement (BID) District attended the Committee and gave the views of the BID on the current Cumulative Impact Policy, and its impact on attracting and maintaining businesses in the City Centre.

He outlined the history, background issues and incidents that led to the introduction of the policy.

He outlined the progress made in Wind Street relating to its “reputation” and particularly the Purple Flag Award, Health Pod, Drop Off/Pick up Points, and Taxi Marshalls.

He outlined the following areas and proposals that the BID have for further developing and improving Wind Street through Evening Pedestrianisation, Increased Seating Indoor and Outdoor, Move Away from Vertical Drinking, Significant Investment in Premises, Best Bar None Industry Award and Attracting “Big Name” Restaurants.

Members discussed the issues raised during the discussion and indicated that the Authority was heavily reliant on Police information and statistics when it initially developed the Policy. 

The Chair thanked Mr Greenslade for his attendance,  input and suggestions and indicated that he may seek the BIDs views again on future topic areas such as the Night Time Economy.

Stephen Smith, Design and Conservation Team Leader gave a detailed and informative presentation on the proposed revised Ffynone & Uplands Conservation Area (CA) Review Document.

The following areas were outlined and discussed:

·       What is a C A.

·       Increased Protection & Controls.

·       What a CA wont do.

·       Currently 31 CA’s in City & County of Swansea.

·       Background to Ffynone CA

·       Existing Information available to Public.

·       Reason for review.

·       Proposed New Documents.

·       Consultation Exercise Undertaken & Responses Received.

·       3 principle changes and  outcomes of CA review.

1. Maps of proposed expanded area of CA.

2. Update character area information.

3. Proposed Article 4 Direction to control external changes to selected unlisted houses.

·       Next Steps and progress for adoption.

Members discussed the proposals and broadly welcomed the revised guidance subject to further detailed discussions with the Officer. Following these discussions and any potential amendments, the report would then progress via the Cabinet Member to Planning Committee for adoption.

RESOLVED  that Chair convene  a Task & Finish group prior to the next meeting of this Committee to further discuss in detail the proposals.

The Chair indicated that he will arrange the site visits to Killay, Morriston and Sketty District Shopping Centres following the committee membership changes at Council on 24 September.

He also indicated he would contact all the relevant Primary schools in the above areas to seek their views.

Members discussed the following areas that the Committee will look at in the near future:

District Shopping Area Site Visits

Task & Finish Group for Conservation Area

The Chair indicated he would chase progress on the Destination Management Plan report and discuss with the Cabinet Member if this Committee is the correct body to look at the suggested topic of the City Centre Regeneration and Bids for Civic Centre & St David’s Sites.

RESOLVED that the next Committee scheduled for 21 October receive reports/presentations on the following issues:

·       Feedback on Ffynone & Uplands Conservation Area Review Task & Finish Group.

·       Update on Legal Highs.

·       Section 106 Agreements.