Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Senior Business Support Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Senior Business Support Officer, whereupon:-

The Service Manager Development and Estates advised that the report covered the period between 24^th February to 12^th June, 2020 i.e. the Covid-19 lockdown period.  He said that it had been a very challenging time for the planning service and paid tribute to the efforts of officers during this this period. Three officers namely, the Team Manager - Eirlys Hallett, Team Leader - Steph Hopkins and Planning Officer - Jo White who covered the Ebbw Fach Valley had been redeployed onto other Covid related duties and said that it was worth noting that those officers had continued to carry their caseload assisted by the efforts of other staff to deal with applications in their absence. Members noted that on this particular report there were close to 80 applications that had been determined and whilst it had not been ‘business as usual’ officers had managed to continue providing the planning service as best they could.

The Chair congratulated officers on their continued efforts to deliver the planning service during this unprecedented and challenging time.

C/2020/0026 – Unit 58 Festival Park Shopping Centre, Ebbw Vale

In reply to a concern raised, the Service Manager undertook to discuss a matter outside of the remit of the Planning Committee with the Member following the meeting.

C/2019/0278 – Land East of Blaina Road, Brynmawr

In reply to a question, it was confirmed that the grant of planning permission did provide provision for housing at the bottom end of the site but he was unaware of any further discussion with officers regarding implementing this part of the consent.

It was unanimously,

RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and the list of applications decided under delegated powers between 24^th February to 12^th June, 2020 be noted.