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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 5, Guildhall, Swansea. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services - Tel: 637292 

Items
No. Item

5.

Disclosures of Personal & Prejudicial Interests.

Minutes:

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared:

 

6.

Minutes. pdf icon PDF 113 KB

To approve and sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Resolved that the Minutes of the Economy and Infrastructure Policy Development & Delivery Committee held on:

 

a)    12 April 2018;

b)    24 April 2018; and

c)     24 May 2018

 

be approved as a correct records.

7.

Terms of Reference. (For Information) pdf icon PDF 52 KB

Minutes:

The terms of reference were noted.

8.

River Corridor.

Minutes:

The Director of Place provided an update in relation to the Hafod Copper Works Development.

 

It was noted that an application for £1.5m had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund.  Stage two of the process was now complete and a decision would be made in September 2018.  Members had previously been appraised of the existing strategy (which was now outdated).  It was suggested that a Member work shop towards the end of August/beginning of September 2018 would be beneficial as a decision from the Heritage Lottery Funding was anticipated.  Members would have the opportunity to input into the first strategy for the area, taking into consideration accessibility, networks, highways infrastructure etc.

 

In response to Member questions, the Director of Place stated that:

 

1.     The decision making route for the strategy and the need for any formal supplementary planning guidance would be reported to Members. 

2.     Two options were being considered in relation to the Skyline/Skyluge Scheme, involving the utilisation of the land in the car park or the other side of the river. 

 

Resolved that:

 

1.     The River Corridor be scheduled for discussion at the next meeting in order to determine the topics to be considered at a Committee work shop;

2.     The Director of Place circulate the existing strategy to Committee Members.

 

  

9.

Transportation Strategy.

Minutes:

The Director of People referred to a previous update regarding the Transportation Strategy and how this impacts on the City Deal.

 

It was noted that the Welsh Government had provided £140,000 grant funding to the regions (which comprise 4 local authority areas) for the purpose of  commissioning consultants to develop a regional transportation plan (which encompasses road, rail, bus).  Initially the consultants would analyse data in relation to where people live, work, travel and any challenges and possible outcomes.  Regional transport hubs resulting in better inter-connectivity throughout the region would also be examined.  Further Welsh Government funding would be available and the Committee’s views were sought with regard to the emerging policy.

 

It was further noted that a second piece of work had been commissioned by the Welsh Government on the strategic rail network which would be undertaken by Professor Barry, Cardiff University. 

 

A clear view on both reviews were a crucial part of regeneration in the City.

 

In response to Member questions, the Director of People stated that:

 

1.     The External Funding Panel would be considering a series of bids in connection to Fabian Way (the area adjacent to the Four Counties firm examining the feasibility of a straighter route); potential improvements to the junctions on Fabian Way and Park and Ride facilities. 

2.     The feasibility would also examine environmental issues. However he was unaware whether the introduction of car free zones had been considered.

 

Resolved that the update be noted.

 

 

10.

Homes as Power Stations.

Minutes:

The Director of People stated that the homes as power stations was one of the projects within the City Deal.  The basic principle of the scheme was the production of energy using new build and existing properties, fitting or retrofitting the properties.  A range of tactics could be used which required the use of expensive technology. It was anticipated that the innovative work undertaken as part of the City Deal would be beneficial to the whole of the UK.

 

He detailed the business models and the role of the various housing providers in ensuring the success of the scheme. 

 

Neath Port Talbot had commenced their pilot project, involving 16 new houses with registered social landlords.  It was noted that Cabinet had approved a report regarding More Homes Parc Y Helyg, Site Options Appraisal and it was anticipated that the level of technology available to commit to the scheme would be dependent on Welsh Government Innovative House funding.

 

In response to Members questions, the Director of Place stated that:

 

1.     The scheme sought to achieve 2500 new build homes and 7500 retro-refit. It was anticipated that the homes would be produced in a staged manner. 

2.     Nottingham Councils ‘Robin Hood Energy’ was a good example of a local authorities producing and supplying electricity.  The Council had been exploring the feasibility of replicating this scheme.   A business case and proposals for consultation were being undertaken with a view to a report to Cabinet in early September.   The proposal would need to be thoroughly evidenced, detailing financial viability and no cost to the tax payer.

3.     The proposed Lagoon would provide a significant supply of renewable energy which could provide opportunities and benefits to the local public sector.

4.     The solar panels in schools initiative had been successful in reducing the costs in purchasing electricity in schools.  The Director of People stated that he would provide a breakdown of schools benefitting from the scheme.

5.     In relation to the retrofit of council houses, it had been determined that it was not financially viable to put panels on housing stock. Additionally,  financial challenges exist with battery storage.

 

Resolved that the update be noted.

 

 

11.

Green Fleet.

Minutes:

The Chair circulated a briefing note prepared by the Director of People.

 

The Director of People stated that the briefing note did not represent a policy, merely an approach to develop a policy.  He stated that the purpose of the discussion today was to seek Members views.

 

Members noted that the Green Fleet policy would be determined by the Council’s use of vehicles.  Suggested vehicles include those Council employees use in the undertaking of their duties (refuse trucks/vans and hire cars).  The hierarchy of vehicles required consideration (e.g., zero omission vehicles, diesel and anything in-between).

 

In response to Member questions, the Director of Place stated that:

 

1.     Trials had been undertaken with diesel and electric vehicles, although those involving electric vehicles had not been as successful due to battery space.  Part of the trial was to determine whether they can deliver in terms of reliability/warranty and required a staggered approach to acquisition.

2.     Short term vehicle leases result in no liability for the Council.

3.     There is no policy with regard to eradicating pollution in the City Centre.

4.     Employees claim for mileage when using their own vehicles for work purposes, it is proposed the same rate would be offered for use of both type of vehicles.

5.     Procurement has yet to be considered.

 

Resolved that:

 

1.     The Lead Officer, Mark Barrow, be invited to contribute to a Committee work shop;

2.     Relevant colleagues from Housing, Transportation and Energy also be invited to participate; and

3.     The Chair meet with the Director of Place in advance of a Committee work shop to determine a proposed work plan.

12.

Wind Street Pedestrianisation.

Minutes:

The Director of People stated that consultations were still ongoing and three options were being considered (the third being the preferred option).  The length of closure during the day was one of the main challenges.

 

Resolved that:

 

1.     The City Centre Manager attend the next meeting to provide a progress update; and

2.     The Director of Place will email Members regarding consultation feedback, specifically the feedback submitted by Members.

13.

Workplan 2018/2019.

Minutes:

The Chair referred to outstanding work plan items discussed at the meeting on 24 April, 2018.

 

The Director of Place stated that the Citizen’s Card topic would be considered by Future Council PDC.  The Out of Town Shopping Areas had not be referred to and disability issues could be included in other policies.

 

Resolved that the work plan items for consideration for the 2018-19 Municipal Year comprise: