Agenda item

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities.

The Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities presented the report which sought endorsement of the Ebbw Vale Place Making Plan.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member expressed concern regarding the plan and felt that it did not contain anything different from various other plans developed over the years. 

Another Member expressed concern that the transport options was an obstacle for people accessing the town centre from Rassau and Garnlydan. 

In response to comments made the Team Leader Regeneration Opportunities confirmed that the multi storey car park had been identified as a key site needing action, and options had been modelled and these options would form part of the delivery plan for Members to consider and make decisions on projects. 

A Member felt that public consultation should have been undertaken at an early stage.

The Officer explained that Members were involved at the initial fact finding stage, and the Plan was presented to Ward Members.  The Officer confirmed that public consultation had not been undertaken at this stage, however, the retail and leisure studies undertaken as part of the replacement LDP had been used, and the Consultants had engaged with businesses within the town centre.  The next stage would include engagement with young people and schools and the College.

A discussion ensued when the Officer clarified points raised by Members regarding the options detailed in the Plan.

A Member said the multi storey car park was not fit or purpose and expressed concern that the Council was spending money when it was in private ownership.

The Officer confirmed that discussions were taking place with the landowner.

The Corporate Director said he understood Members’ frustrations regarding the multi storey car park, however, the arrangement was entered into by the old Urban District Council, and the Council did not have the leverage expected under a normal lease arrangement.  He said this work was about find a solution that best fits the.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted endorsed the Ebbw Vale Placemaking Plan, its vision and core ambitions for the future, to enable the draft of the delivery plan to be finalised, and steps towards implementation of the projects that will be contained within it. (Option 2)

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities.

The Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities presented the report which sought endorsement of the Ebbw Vale Place Making Plan.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member expressed concern regarding the plan and felt that it did not contain anything different from various other plans developed over the years. 

Another Member expressed concern that the transport options was an obstacle for people accessing the town centre from Rassau and Garnlydan. 

In response to comments made the Team Leader Regeneration Opportunities confirmed that the multi storey car park had been identified as a key site needing action, and options had been modelled and these options would form part of the delivery plan for Members to consider and make decisions on projects. 

A Member felt that public consultation should have been undertaken at an early stage.

The Officer explained that Members were involved at the initial fact finding stage, and the Plan was presented to Ward Members.  The Officer confirmed that public consultation had not been undertaken at this stage, however, the retail and leisure studies undertaken as part of the replacement LDP had been used, and the Consultants had engaged with businesses within the town centre.  The next stage would include engagement with young people and schools and the College.

A discussion ensued when the Officer clarified points raised by Members regarding the options detailed in the Plan.

A Member said the multi storey car park was not fit or purpose and expressed concern that the Council was spending money when it was in private ownership.

The Officer confirmed that discussions were taking place with the landowner.

The Corporate Director said he understood Members’ frustrations regarding the multi storey car park, however, the arrangement was entered into by the old Urban District Council, and the Council did not have the leverage expected under a normal lease arrangement.  He said this work was about find a solution that best fits the.

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted endorsed the Ebbw Vale Placemaking Plan, its vision and core ambitions for the future, to enable the draft of the delivery plan to be finalised, and steps towards implementation of the projects that will be contained within it. (Option 2)