Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D W Cole and C Thomas and Andrew McTaggart.

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

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

Ian Beynon, Development & Outreach Manager presented the updated Draft Open Space Strategy for Swansea.

The Committee were fully supportive with the contents of the draft Strategy; however discussions regarding strengthening the Strategy centred on the following:

·                 Whether to include allotments, cemeteries, other open civic spaces / beaches within the current provision.  It was agreed to include allotments, due to the duty to provide a sufficient number of allotments and cemeteries should be promoted as places utilised for activities such as walking where alternative provision was not available.

·                 Proposed / planned parks and school playing fields were not included.  It was noted that a number of play areas were not currently accessible.

·                 Consider the implications for including the use of school playgrounds to increase accessibility for local residents and encourage greater use.

·                 The Open Space Standards had been provided based on the Open Spaces Assessment, however it was noted this section may require slight amendments.

·                 Agreed that the Strategy would set out a vision up to 2025 and would link in with the Local Development Plan.

·                 An Equality Impact Assessment would also need to be included to reflect the needs of children and young people and promote the benefits of Wellbeing / Healthy Living, etc.

·                 Consideration was given as to whether reference be made in respect of the criteria for Village Green Applications within the Strategy or action plan. It was agreed that this would be referenced in the action plan.

·                 Reference should be made to the Action Plan within the Strategy document.

AGREED that:

1)       The Development & Outreach Manager finalise the section on “Promoting biodiversity and nature conservation” in conjunction with colleagues in the Nature Conservation Team.

2)       The Development & Outreach Manager and & the Children’s Play Officer prepare the Equality Impact Assessment information for the next meeting.

3)       In the Introduction the Development & Outreach Manager to amend the current statement to read, “Outline and advise on good practice and case studies          from across the Country”.

4)       A further Special Development Cabinet Advisory Committee be scheduled in June / July to review the final Open Spaces Strategy in advance of submission to the Cabinet Member.