4 November 2003

This notice is published at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 5 November 2003. The deadline for the receipt of requests to call-in any decision is 5.00 pm on Wednesday 12 November 2003. The decisions will come into force (if no valid call-in application is received) on Thursday 13 November 2003.

PRESENT: Councillor D.Ll. Evans (Chairman); Councillors P.W. Eklund, E.J.K. Evans, A.Ll. Jones, S.M. Morris and R.E. Thomas.

IN ATTENDANCE: Councillors E.E. ap Gwynn, W.R. Edwards, D.J. Evans, H.G. Evans and S.G. Hopley.

(9.00 a.m. – 1.25 p.m.)

C297

Apologies

Mr. Parry Davies, Director of Social Services and Mr. Gwyn Jones, Director of Finance apologised for their inability to attend the Meeting.

C298

Unitary Development Plan Preparation

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing upon the responses received to the following Chapters of the Deposit Version of the Unitary Development Plan during the consultation period:

a)      Environment

b)      Tourism

c)      Community, Education, Leisure

d)      Transport.

The Principal Planner (Forward Planning) proceeded to introduce the papers in a similar way to that followed at the 9 and 23 October meetings and referred, in each instance, to the relevant Paragraph in the UDP under consideration, the representations received on that particular Paragraph, any other comments  and any proposed changes being recommended by the Local Planning Authority to those representations. The Cabinet then considered the information as presented.

DECISION

(A) Environment

to approve all the ‘Proposed Changes’ as recommended in the Report, including those recommending no amendment to policy and those recommending specific changes to policies, subject to the following:

(a) in ENVL1.2, amending the second sentence of the second paragraph of the RJ to read ‘However there are a number of smaller settlements and groups of houses where minor development will be permitted under Policy H1.4, which are without defined boundary limits’.

(b) with reference to ENVN1.7 to agree the proposed change providing this is not a requirement

(c) to reject in ENVB1.5 (C)

(d) to remove the Policy for “Important Local Buildings” as outlined in ENVB1.10

(e) to remove reference to any named site in ENVB1.21.

(f) to amend ENVE1.3 (criterion 7) as follows “ to reduce landscape and other environmental impacts above ground”

{The meeting adjourned at 10.10 a.m. and reconvened at 11.50.a.m. until 1.25 p.m. having taken the decisions in C298 above}

C299

Minutes of the Meeting held on 21 October 2003

DECISION

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 October 2003 subject to noting the following:-

C278 – School Budget Forum

 - to amend as follows:-

(i) that the primary representation on the

Forum comprises 4 headteacher

representatives, 4 governor

representatives and 1 representative

from voluntary schools;

(ii) that the secondary representation on the

Forum comprises 4 headteachers and 3

Governors alternating every 2 years.

Minute C292(iii)–Lampeter Mart

To substitute  “Agricultural Forum” for “interested parties”

C300

Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 9 and 23 October 2003

DECISION

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Cabinet held on 9 and 23 October 2003 subject to amending Minute C296 (B) (9)(a) to read “Llandysul/Pontweli Ymlaen”.

C301

Matters arising

C280 – Prioritisation of Renovation Grant Approvals to the Elderly and Infirm in conjunction with Disabled Facilities Grants:-  A Meeting of the Working Group would be held at the earliest mutually convenient opportunity.

C282Town Scheme Partnership, Tregaron – The Director of Environmental Services and Housing would investigate the status of Llanddewi Brefi and advise the local Member of his findings.

C302

Decisions called in

There were no decisions called in from the Scrutiny Committees in relation to the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 October  2003.

C303

Social services: Analysis of compliments, representations and complaints for period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Social Services updating Members in relation to the level of compliments, representations and complaints for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003.

DECISION

To note the content of the Report

Reason for decision

To update members on the result of the review.

C304

[Councillor R.E. Thomas disclosed an interest in the following matter  under 12(C)) of the Local Code of Conduct and took no part in the decision thereof}

Tregaron Hospital  Project

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Social Services updating Members in relation to progress made on the proposed Tregaron Integrated Health/ Social Care Centre and enclosing the outline business Case report to be submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government.

DECISION

(i) that the Cabinet issue a formal letter of confirmation of the Cabinet’s continued support of the Tregaron Integrated Health Centre to be submitted to WAG; and

(ii) to endorse submission of the Outline Business Case to WAG.

Reason for decision

In order to proceed with the project.

C305

[Councillor S.M. Morris disclosed an interest in the following matter  under 12 (C) of the Local Code of Conduct took no part in the discussion and decision thereof}

Charitable Rate Relief under Sections 43 and 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance upon applications received for Charitable Rate Relief under Sections 43 and 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

DECISION

To approve the following applications:-

Rhif Cyf.                      Ymgeisydd                    Cymeradwywyd

Ref. No.                        Applicant                       Approved

100954564                    Menter Aberteifi             100% Gostyngiad Dewisol/ Discretionary Relief

100954496                    Tukes                             80%  Gostyngiad Manadol/ Mandatory Relief

                                                                             20%  Gostyngiad Dewisol/ Discretionary Relief

Reason for decision

Approval required to grant applications

C306

Financial Services Best Value Review Report

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance upon the final report of the Audit Commission on the Financial Services Best Value Review and the Department’s Improvement Plan.

DECISION

(i) to approve the Departmental Improvement Plan; and

(ii) to endorse the responses to the District Audit Review and congratulate the Department on its achievement.

Reason for decision

In order to submit responses to the District Audit Department.

C307

2003/04 Capital Programme

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance upon the revised Capital Programme for 2003/04.

DECISION

To note the Report and the approve the Revised Programme.

Reason for decision

In order to proceed with the revised programme

C308

[Councillor A.Ll. Jones disclosed an interest in Minute C308(1) under 11(a) of the Local Code of Conduct and left the Chamber during discussion and decision thereof}

Reports of the Director of Finance for information

It was RESOLVED  to note the following Reports of the Director of Finance for information:-

1.  Rural Rate Relief

2.  Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2003/04 to September 2003

3.  Controllable Revenue Budget Performance for County Fund 2003/04 to September 2003 – subject to investigate the clauses in the Arriva contract in relation to Pupil Services under the Department of Education and Community Services

4.  Capital Programme 2003/04.

C309

The Youth Service in Ceredigion

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Education and Community Services updating members in relation to recent developments concerning the Youth Service in Ceredigion.

DECISION

(i) to note the content of the Report;

(ii) to authorise an audit of the provision of services to 11-18 year olds within the Authority;

(iii) subject to the result of that audit, and in cooperation with the services involved, to receive a report setting out the options available on the manner which the identified areas of risk might be addressed; and

(iv) at the appropriate stage, to involve the Young People’s Partnership which has an overview of the provision of services in general within the County.

Reason for decision

In order to identify and address shortcomings in the service

C310

Home to School/ College Transport Appeals (2)

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Education and Community Services upon the requirement to arrange re-hearing appeals relating to Home to School/ College Transport.

DECISION

(i) to note the content of the Report; and

(ii) to adopt the arrangements for re-hearing appeals as outlined in the report.

Reason for decision

In order that arrangements are in place to deal with re-hearings effectively.

C311

Applications for Extended Leave of Absence

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Education and Community Services upon applications from staff for extended leaves of absence.

DECISION

(i) grant delegated authority to the Director of Education and Community Services to deal with the applications request in this instance;

(ii) to recommend to full Council that the power to determine applications for leave of absences be delegated to the Directors, having consulted with the respective cabinet member and the Personnel Officer.

Reason for decision

In order that a corporate policy is established.

C312

Three Counties Youth Music Festival

It was RESOLVED:-

(i)  to note the Report of the Director Education and Community Services updating the activities of Three Counties Youth Music Festival 2003; and

(ii) to extend the Cabinet’s congratulations to pupils, teachers and parents on their success.

C313

Reports of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing on departmental matters

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing upon departmental matters and the decisions recorded in Minutes C314 to C317 below were taken.

C314

Draft Needs Assessment on Health and Social Care Wellbeing

DECISION

(i) to note and approve the Report;

(ii) to approve the publication and distribution of the Needs Assessment for public consultation;

(iii) to confirm the current position of Llandysul in the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation and amend the Needs Assessment document as necessary; and

(iv) to present the document to full Council at a Seminar to be held after a Meeting of the Council to receive their views and comments.

Reason for decision

To obtain Cabinet support for the Needs Assessment Stage of the Social and Wellbeing Strategy prior to public consultation

C315

Consultation – “What kind of countryside do you want”

DECISION

(i) to approve the suggested response as outlined; and

(ii) to add the following:-

a)      The importance of agriculture in the County in terms of shaping and maintaining the countryside and providing sustainable employment

b)      The importance of doing everything possible to retain the smaller family farms

c)      A countryside where people live and work

d)      There is a need for a debate as to the future shape and form of villages

Reason for decision

To advise WAG of the Authority’s response to the “What kind of countryside do you want” consultation paper

C316

Ceredigion Rights of Way Improvement Plan

DECISION

(i) to note the content of the Report;

(ii) to approve the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) framework on an interim basis; and

(iii) to circulate the framework to Community Councils and other relevant organisations for comment.

Reason for decision

To facilitate the production of the Ceredigion Rights of Way Improvement Plan in accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

C317

Open Access: Publication of Provisional Maps

It was  RESOLVED  to note the publication of the Provisional Maps as outlined

C318

Reports of the Director of Highways Property and Works on departmental matters

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Highway, Property and Works upon departmental matters and the decisions recorded in Minutes C319 to C327 below were taken.

C319

Coast Protection – Pre Project Appraisal Report – Coastal Slope at New Quay

DECISION

To authorise the Director of Highways, Property and Works to undertake the following:-

(i) engages a specialist Consultant to specify and report on a regime for the area which would:-

a)      Quantify any capital scheme requirements and costs

b)      Quantify the recession rates both at the toe and the crest of the slope

c)      Quantify the benefits

d)      Produce a Project Appraisal Report for submission to the Welsh Assembly Government

(ii) applies to WAG for grant aid under the Coast Protection Act 1949 for the work outlined above; and

(iii) reviews the Council’s policies relating to groundwater and drainage in this area, the dissemination of information to the public and the coordination of the community response.

Reason for decision

To enable progression of the project

C320

Proposed Revocation of part of a Prohibition of Waiting “At Any Time” Traffic Regulation Order – B4353/U/C Ynys Fergi road junction, High Street, Borth, (seaward side only)

DECISION

That the necessary Draft Revocation Notice to the Traffic Regulation Order be published, and, subject to no objections, be subsequently made.

Reason for decision

In order to implement Traffic Order

C321

Proposed Prohibition of Waiting “At Any Time” Traffic Regulation Order , Unclassified Road, Heol Dinas, Penparcau, Aberystwyth

DECISION

That the necessary Draft Regulation Order be published and, subject to no objections, be subsequently made.

Reason for decision

In order to implement Traffic Order.

C322

Proposed Prohibition of Waiting “At Any Time” Traffic Regulation Order , Unclassified Road, Brynrheidol Estate, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth

DECISION

That the necessary Draft Regulation Order be published, and, subject to no objections, be subsequently made.

Reason for decision

In order to implement Traffic Order

C323

Proposed Prohibition of Waiting “At Any Time” Traffic Regulation Order , Unclassified Road, Lower Garth Dinas and it’s junction with Heol Dinas, Penparcau, Aberystwyth

DECISION

That the necessary Draft Regulation Order be published, and, subject to no objections, be subsequently made.

Reason for decision

In order to implement Traffic Order

C324

Proposed Alterations to Limited Waiting Only Traffic Regulation Order, Marine terrace and Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth

DECISION

That the necessary Draft Regulation Order be published, and, subject to no objections, be subsequently made.

Reason for decision

In order to implement Traffic Order

C325

Proposed Replacement Water Pump Station – Adjacent to Llety Corfan/ Heol Ystrad Road, Penparcau, Aberystwyth

DECISION

That the land is sold to Welsh Water on terms to be agreed

Reason for Decision

To enable construction of a replacement Water Pumping Station

C326

Property Services Report

DECISION

To note and approve the action being taken in relation to the Best Value process.

Reason for decision

To comply with the District Audit Best Value Property Services Review

C327

Proposed Private Street Works – Bryn y Mor Road, Aberystwyth

DECISION

To note the content of the Report.

C328

Procedure - Urgent Business

It was RESOLVED to note that the Chairman in exercise of his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 was of the opinion that the matter referred to in Minute C329 below was for the attention of the Cabinet in view of the need to take an urgent decision before the next Cabinet.

C329

Opening of Extension at Cwm Padarn Community Primary School

DECISION

To nominate the local Member, Councillor B.L. Davies to officially open the new extension at Cwm Padarn Community Primary School at the end of November.

Reason for decision

Need for represenative

EXEMPT ITEM

The following item contains exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 5,7,8 and 9, Part 1, Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and in accordance with Section 100B(2) of the Act the papers are not available for public inspection.  The Cabinet will be requested, when dealing with the item, to consider whether to exclude the public and press from the Meeting:-

C330

Cardigan Castle

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Corporate and Legal Services updating members in relation to activities at Cardigan Castle.

DECISION

(i) to note that a list of possible Trustees would be drawn up at the next Project Team meeting and for an initial meeting of potential trustees to be arranged thereafter;

(ii) once received, to authorise submission to CADW of the report produced by Davies Sutton Architects in order that an application for grant funding may be submitted as soon as possible;

(iii) to authorise submission of tenders for carrying out the necessary work once this is sanctioned by CADW; and

(iv) to approve earmarking of ¦pound;25,000 to fund the security and site management arrangements until the end of the financial year from the Contingency Fund.

Reason for decision

In order to proceed with the project