Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C Anderson, C Thomas, A McTaggart, Mapping and Spatial Data Officer and J Rees-Thomas, Play Development Worker.

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

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

Ian Beynon, Development & Outreach Manager presented the updated Draft Open Spaces Strategy document.

The following information had been added:

·       Information on Promoting Biodiversity and Nature Conservation, however it was noted that the number of Wildlife sites was still to be clarified;

·       How the Strategy would link to other Council Strategies and plans underpinned by the Council’s Corporate Priorities and Values;

·       Reference to the action plan (which would be a working document).

The Committee then discussed the process for consultation, which would need to take place prior to formal submission to Corporate Briefing and Cabinet.

The Development & Outreach Manager suggested commencing the consultation with the Friends of Parks Forum members.  Councillors would also be consulted for areas where there were no Friends of Parks members.

Stephen Cable, Children’s Play Officer explained that an Equality Impact Assessment was required for all new strategies.  He had commenced this exercise and liaised with the Access to Services Team, who felt the strategy would impact on several different groups.  It was hoped to utilise information from a range of consultation exercises that had taken place recently such as comments received during the Children’s Play Strategy consultation.

Following consultation, the Committee would need to work with the Officers to evaluate any submissions and amend the Open Spaces Strategy as necessary.

The Chair thanked the Officers for all the work undertaken to draft the strategy.

RESOLVED that:

1)       The report be noted:

2)       The report, Equality Impact Assessment and proposed areas for consultation be reported to the Development Cabinet Advisory Committee scheduled for 17 August 2016.