Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Democratic Services  6011

Items
No. Item

1.

Simultaneous Translation

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting, a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

Minutes:

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service.

 

2.

Apologies

To receive.

Minutes:

No apologies for absence were reported.

 

3.

Declarations of Interest and Dispensations

To receive.

Minutes:

No declarations of interest or dispensations were reported.

 

Decision Items - Regeneration & Economic Development Matters

4.

Llanhilleth Pit Head Baths

To consider the report of the Service Managers Business and Regeneration.

Minutes:

Having regard to the views expressed by the Proper Officer regarding the public interest test, that on balance the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information and that the report should be exempt.

 

RESOLVED that the public be excluded whilst this item of business is transacted as it is likely there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 14, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

 

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Business and Regeneration.

 

The Corporate Director Regeneration and Environment advised that the report sought approval on a proposed way forward for the redevelopment of the Pithead Baths, Llanhilleth. The site was located in a prominent position in the community and had an ongoing negative impact on the local area due to its derelict condition. The Council had also received a number of dangerous structure complaints from local residents which had resulted in officers visiting the site on many occasions.

 

The Corporate Director added that previously reports had been presented with the view of taking the site forward for redevelopment. However, due to a lack of funding and the complicated land ownership the Council had not progressed with redevelopment. A number of options for the site was considered and following assessment it was identified that residential development would be the most desired. If this option was agreed officers would then proceed with wider consultation on the proposal with local residents and members as well as preparatory work to establish costs and processes for a formal Business Case.

 

The Corporate Director further gave an overview of discussions held at the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee and advised that the preferred option was accepted.

 

The Executive Member for Economic Development and Regeneration recognised that the site had been an eyesore for the residents of Llanhilleth for a number of years and wished to extend thanks to officers on the work undertaken to bring forward the report. The Executive Member advised that it was our commitment to address areas of outstanding concern. The Executive Member welcomed the report which enabled the Council to proceed to the next stage to ascertain what was deliverable.

 

The Executive Member for Education supported the report and advised that she was fully aware of the issues the site had caused residents, as well as it being a local hotspot for flytipping. The Executive Member felt that the area was long overdue for investment and welcomed the report.

 

The Executive Member for Education referred to the consultation process and noted the importance of local engagement in order to address any concerns raised by residents. 

 

The Leader welcomed the report and concurred that consultation was vital and key, particularly in the immediate surrounding. The Leader suggested the Executive along with officers from the Communications, Engagement and Regeneration Teams work together to ensure a robust consultation exercise. The Leader felt that it was also important to include tenants and residents associations as well as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.