Cllr Eugene Caparros to the Leader
I am aware that Welsh Government are introducing legislation which will change the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built up areas from the 17th of September this year. Whilst Members received a briefing on this in March this year, could you please outline the progress to date within BCBC, how the public consultation was received and whether we will be ready for the roll out of this legislation in Bridgend in September?
Cllr Tim Thomas to the Leader
Will the Leader briefly outline his policy proposals to adopt ’15 minute towns” within the County Borough?
Cllr Maxine Lewis to the Cabinet Member - Housing, Planning and Regeneration
Where are we with the development of a Valleys Regeneration Strategy, as it is identified in the new corporate plan.
Cllr Ian Williams to the Cabinet Member - Community Safety and Wellbeing
Can the Cabinet Member please give me some indication as to what provision is being made in Bridgend for outdoor play and recreational facilities for older children in Bridgend County and when? At a meeting last December it was agreed to provide a play area in Newbridge Fields for older children but in a recent email I was told that this was not being taken forward at the moment but it could be an option in the future.
Could I therefore ask when this important provision will take place?
Cllr Mark John to the Cabinet Member - Climate Change and Environment
Could I have a progress report on the Bridgend Heat Network.
Minutes:
Cllr E Caparros to the Leader
I am aware that Welsh Government are introducing legislation which will change the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in built up areas from the 17th of September this year. Whilst Members received a briefing on this in March this year, could you please outline the progress to date within BCBC, how the public consultation was received and whether we will be ready for the roll out of this legislation in Bridgend in September?
Response
The authorities Traffic Management section have been working with Welsh Government on producing maps that detail roads that would comply with the Welsh Government Scheme as well as those roads that may be considered as an exception to the general rollout.
These maps can be viewed on the Data Map Wales Website:
https://datamap.gov.wales/maps/roads-affected-by-changes-to-the-speed-limit-on-re/view#/
The preparation for the changes to the speed limit requires 100’s of signs to be purchased and erected in advance of the changeover which need to be obscured until the changeover date.
Apart from new speed limit signage there will also be new signage in relation to traffic calmed areas and where a 30mph limit is to remain. As well as the circa 1,400’s of signs to be erected there is also the requirement to remove a similar number of signs and road markings that are currently in place and this will all have to occur on or shortly after 17th September 2023.
Work is currently ongoing with designing to new locations for signage and agreeing locations so members and the public will see posts going into place and signs erected but covered over until that date.
Application of Welsh Government guidelines for exceptions to the 20mph default limit identified locations that meet the exception criteria and improve road safety. Initial engagement suggests support for proposals for roads that meet the exception criteria as well as suggesting minor amendments to the original proposals. Apart from exceptions revocation of certain traffic orders will need to follow a statutory process to make a road enforceable at the new 20mph default limit.
To advance these exceptions and revocations to the statutory consultation stage, data is being gathered that is required for the legal to commence the Traffic Order making process as the specific locations are measured subject to suitable sites being identified for positioning the highway signage.
It is anticipated that the majority works will be completed for the 17th September when the change will take place, however, due to the thousands of signs involved it is anticipated that there will be ongoing works post that date, and potential amendments subject to how the proposals operate in practice.
Supplementary question from Cllr Caparros
The proposed change in speed limits has been a hot topic on social media. I welcomed the BCBC on-line consultation on the proposals and so am asking how successful was this and will the feedback given impact on what we see on the ground in our communities?
Response
There were a high number of responses received to the consultation which were in the process of being considered, however, as a result of these Officers have made certain changes to that which was originally proposed. The Head of Operations – Community Services advised that there had been a positive feedback to the first stage of the consultation. This was not the legally required stage of the consultation though, as that would take place under the traffic order implementation stage of proceedings. A large number of the public are supportive of 20mph zones though there had been a general lack of support for some of the proposed exemptions. Officers are therefore looking at all of these consultation responses and making some adjustments, particularly with regard to amending some of the proposed exemptions.
We are also consulting on the exemption roads that are to be kept at 30mph, as opposed to them automatically reducing to 20mph zones. Some of the feedback revealed that that residents were not saying that they disagreed with a specific street being affected by a reduction to 20mph, but more that they did not agree to any speed reduction, full stop.
Supplementary question from Cllr M Evans
It has been mentioned that the majority of the works to be undertaken as part of the scheme will be completed by the deadline date of 17 September 2023. However, I understand that work will be ongoing following this date, erecting road signage and associated works that go with this. Have you a deadline when all such works will be completed.
Response
No, but work in relation to posts being erected for the signage has already commenced. There is a considerable amount of work to be carried out, as there are nearly 1,400 signs to be displayed. Some of the signs that presently display 30mph will require changing to 20mph and there will not just be one change of sign required at a given road, but repeater signs also. However, it is the intention to complete most of the work by the September date.
Cllr T Thomas to the Leader
Will the Leader briefly outline his policy proposals to adopt ’15 minute towns” within the County Borough?
Response
National planning policy (Future Wales & Placemaking Charter) is trying to ensure that people can meet most of their daily needs within a reasonable walk or cycle ride from home, with safe cycling and local transport options.
The ’15-minute town’ concept has recently hit the headlines with some people viewing it as a conspiracy theory to control the movements of our communities.
Please let me assure you, this is not the case. There are no restrictions on movement at all, and we do not have the powers to restrict people’s movements. This is an established principle of placemaking and planning that has re-emerged across the world as we try to tackle the climate emergency and move towards a ‘net zero’ society.
In the context of the county of Bridgend, we want our residents to be able access services within a 20-minute period either by walking or cycling, with public transport provision also available as a fallback option to ensure there is a range of sustainable travel options available within each neighbourhood.
Again, in the context of Bridgend, this principle will help enable our residents to access retail, leisure, education, primary healthcare and employment close to their place of residence and within the local neighbourhood. It also means having access to greenspace nearby and a local environment that encourages active travel to promote health and wellbeing. It is a place where people want to live, so affordable housing must be part of it.
The Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) aims to make neighbourhoods across the Borough more liveable. Therefore, the 20-minute neighbourhood principle has been considered and embedded into the RLDP from the outset of plan preparation.
Further information is provided in the RLDP Background Paper 19: The 20-Minute Neighbourhood
https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/media/14775/background-paper-19-20-minute-neighbourhood.pdf
Supplementary question from Cllr Tim Thomas
I think that anything that encourages local services to be as close to people’s homes as possible, should be warmly encouraged. I further note with interest, the inclusion of employment opportunities and spatial planning. What we have here is a policy juxtaposition between the 15 minute towns and the Cardiff City Regional Deal and on one hand, we have been told that the main benefits of the Cardiff City Regional Deal might not be in direct investment to our County Borough, though through jobs in neighbouring local authority areas, our residents can travel to. On the other hand, we have potentially signed up to the principle of 15 minute towns. How can these conflicting policies be reconciled?
Response
There is no conflict in respect as referred to above, the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal is actually funding the re-development of for example the Ewenny site in Maesteg, the largest brownfield site in our valleys and as part of that development, there will be an Enterprise Hub providing incubation space for brand new spaces as a result of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal investing in our valleys, our communities and in the development of new areas for new businesses.
Supplementary question from Cllr Jonathan Pratt
There is a 15 minute village in Porthcawl which is a blueprint, though my area of Newton does not fit into this. Are there any thoughts how we can improve this geographically rather than just having a 15 minute radius from the centre of town and how will that fit in 15 minutes over a particular geographical area.
Response
If you look at our Replacement Local Development Plan which the above is included within, the new communities that we are going to develop will have employment opportunities, educational provision, community provision and green spaces. These will therefore be very much aligned to the principles of 15 minute towns. I acknowledge that there is more work to do though, particularly in existing settlements. It is more difficult in areas where development has already taken place, particularly where there are settlements surrounded by protected countryside such as in Newton. We will be aspiring though to continue with this type of initiative. Newton is in close proximity to Porthcawl though and you can see there is a very good example of how we are trying to ensure that some of those services are in one place, as part of the new major Waterfront development. The replacement LDP as Members will recall, was considered by Council at it’s October 2022 meeting.
Cllr Maxine Lewis to the Cabinet Member - Housing, Planning and Regeneration
Where are we with the development of a Valleys Regeneration Strategy, as it is identified in the new corporate plan.
Response
As you state, the new Corporate Plan ‘Delivering Together’ for 2023-28 puts the Valleys at the centre of our priorities. We’ve already started by significantly investing in schools, our country parks, Maesteg Town Centre and digital connectivity.
In order to continue reviving and regenerating our Valleys to meet their potential we are leading on the development of a strategy document. The strategy will include detailed actions and projects, that harnesses the valleys potential and guide the opportunities which will bring about a series of high quality developments that will contribute to a wider, cohesive vision for the Bridgend Valleys.
The plan will be flexible and have the ability to adapt to changing economic/market conditions and meet the requirements and aspirations of the community, private, third and public sector.
We are at the point of commissioning the strategy, and following further direction by Cabinet last week, the Objectives that we will be commissioning on the basis of are:
• Reviewing relevant studies, plans and strategies developed over the past 10 years relevant to the Bridgend Valleys of the Llynfi, Garw and Ogmore.
• To create a coherent basis for securing future funding, attracting investors and delivering a comprehensive range of regeneration projects.
• To design a dynamic long-term masterplan document that guides future growth and development for the three valleys areas, whilst respecting and reinforcing its strengths.
• To identify and focus on key sites and to produce an action plan for delivery including estimated overall project costs, phasing, funding, timing, and delivery organisations.
We want to create a strategy which incorporates mixed use regeneration, which includes proposals for improved infrastructure within and around the valleys.
We also critically want to work with key partners in the development of the strategy and reinforce their respective roles in delivering against any proposal as: developers, police, community councils, funders, designers, the community, tenants, transport providers, the local planning authority and other relevant internal departments.
There are various projects already in motion, being developed as part of our new Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) programme, which includes investment in commercial properties in our valley communities, and support property owners and prospective tenants in improving our Valley high streets.
We are also preparing a programme to support resilient communities, encouraging a locally- led bottom up approach, which follows on from our previously successful Leader Rural Development, Reach programme. This would seek to deliver value for money projects with local community groups, various organisations and Community Councils.
Our new SPF Programme will also provide opportunities to fund local feasibility studies to support locally led community project ideas with the aim of leading into future funding bids. It will support a variety of grants to business, and support for local tourism.
These will fit well within the objectives of the strategy and enable us to hit the ground running, while a longer term approach is being considered.
Supplementary question from Cllr Lewis
Can you tell me how the Shared Prosperity Fund will compliment the Valleys Regeneration Strategy?
Response
Properties within our valleys have deteriorated over the past few years and the above Fund will assist in the renovation and refurbishment of both residential and commercial properties, in order to bring them back into use. The Fund will further our aim of restoring the valleys to make them more vibrant. There are two funds for the Llynfi, Ogmore and Garw valleys. The first fund is the Bridgend Valleys Placemaking Property Improvement Grant. This will assist in enhancing building frontages and bringing commercial floor space back into beneficial use. The grant will also help to convert vacant upper floor space into new residential accommodation above commercial units. The second fund is called Empty Property Survey Grants. This will offer those eligible who apply, the opportunity to undertake building condition surveys, architectural assessments and concept design, in order to progress the re-development of empty commercial properties.
Supplementary question from Cllr D Hughes
I welcome the development of a Strategy document to revive and regenerate the valleys and agree that it is critical that work here is done alongside Community Councils, organisations and the general community to meet the requirements and aspirations of these communities. When the Leader visited Ogmore Valley Life Centre for its 30th Anniversary celebrations, he said that BCBC were proud to support sports activities in the Ogmore Valley. The independent survey that was carried out and funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Welsh Government, which formed the basis for the Ogmore Valley Community Council Strategy and Action Plan 2022-27, it revealed that the second highest priority for residents there was the provision of parks and sporting facilities. Residents reaffirmed this at a public meeting on 17 June, when they endorsed the submission of EOI’s for the redevelopment of 2 sites in Ogmore Vale. One for use as a memorial park and the other for a MUGA. What also came through loud and clear, was the support for an all weather pitch facility and improvements at the Planka playing fields. Something residents believe they have been promised for many years. Will this Strategic Plan be able to provide support for current and future proposals such as these. Finally, I know that the Cabinet Member is passionate about regeneration of the valley areas and therefore I look forward to all stakeholders working together for the benefit of our communities.
Response
We will work with all stakeholders to progress work as described above as we have an awful lot of very passionate community groups and individuals who look to participate in community events and I am certain that they will look to make their voices heard in this consultation and to this end I look forward to working with all relevant parties to progress and move matters forward. The main part of the Strategy will be focussing on regeneration and we will look to see what we can achieve through SPF and any other available funding available, to encourage growth and renewal of businesses and public space within our valleys for residents who live there and visitors alike. Cabinet has been discussing opportunities here with the Council’s Corporate Management Board. The Strategy will also look to bring together regeneration, leisure and play facilities. The MUGA has been long talked about and hopefully through joint working, this can be realised through obtaining funding to progress this further forward. Ogmore Valley Community Council have been involved in discussions on this with BCBC’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) team. The Leader added, that there is an aspiration for the provision of an all-weather pitch in the Ogmore valley and direct support would be provided to the Community Council to take the next stages further forward through CAT, with assistance from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Cymru Football Foundation and other valley partners, who wish to be involved in the support of this and any other similar such projects.
Cllr Ian Williams to the Cabinet Member – Climate Change and Environment
Can the Cabinet Member please give me some indication as to what provision is being made in Bridgend for outdoor play and recreational facilities for older children in Bridgend County and when? At a meeting last December it was agreed to provide a play area in Newbridge Fields for older children but in a recent email I was told that this was not being taken forward at the moment but it could be an option in the future. Could I therefore ask when this important provision will take place?
Response
There is a wide range of outdoor play and recreational provision across the county borough which is provided by us, community councils, private providers and specific interest groups.
Such provision covers many opportunities, for example, recreation pitches for ball sports, to 3G pitches located in schools for community use. There are also skateboard parks, multigame areas as well as open green spaces, cricket, bowls, athletics, skate parks, golf and tennis, as well as recreation centres run through Halo
Many groups are benefitting through community asset transfer in the receipt of grants that have allowed the upgrade of facilities and delivering benefits within the communities they are situated in.
In terms of provision made by the council formalised playgrounds are designed to meet a range of age groups. The council have committed to spending over £2,500,000 to date on refurbishing existing play areas and we have engaged with local councillors on site to discuss the needs at individual areas.
Specifically, at Newbridge Fields the play area accommodates for a range of ages from toddlers to teenagers. The refurbishment discussed keeping those play experiences that were appreciated and where possible refurbishment of the play area to factor in accessibility and inclusivity.
We are aware of the members desire to further improve the offer at Newbridge Fields, but this would entail the creation of new recreational experiences and the current funding is aimed at refurbishing the current play offer. The level of funding to create a new viable experience would require identifying and justifying the recreation theme, provision a suitable location amongst the existing facilities, appropriate design and build and then ongoing maintenance, all of which would have to be suitably funded.
The current focus is on refurbishment of our existing play areas across the borough so whilst there may be an opportunity in the future to examine enhanced recreational facilities at Newbridge Fields we are unable to provide a precise timeline for when this may be advanced
Supplementary question from Cllr I Williams
Can the Cabinet Member explain why the Council has failed to provide our children with a splash park, when all other neighbouring authorities have at least one, with Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC having two. Could I have an assurance that within the current term of this Council, Bridgend will have a splash park for the children in the County Borough, eliminating the need for families to travel to neighbouring County Borough’s, which will assist in reducing our carbon footprint.
Response
You are aware from previous Finance reports considered at today’s meeting, of the financial position BCBC is currently facing, particularly with the continued and ongoing pressures in Social Care and Children’s Services. We would of course love to have a splash pool, but we have recently committed £1.5m to have 22 Children’s play areas throughout the County Borough refurbished and this would soon be subject of a tender process for the works. Should extra finance become available, then of course we could look at the provision of the above facility.
Supplementary question from Cllr M Lewis
I am really excited about the 6 children’s play areas being upgraded in the Garw valley this year. Please could you confirm when the works will be completed.
Response
There are 6 such areas where refurbishment works are to be carried out, but actually 7 if you include the play area in Bettws. All 22 areas where work is to be scheduled are to be done in the order of those that are in most need, following the completion of Risk Assessment that have been undertaken. As stated, the tender process is being pursued and when this has been completed, it is anticipated that the works will commence in October 2023. However, in light of the number of areas, the extent of the works and issues of capacity, it is not likely that all areas will be completed until the next spring/summer period. Ward members had been involved previously, in order that it could be established which play areas in their Wards required priority in terms of them being refurbished.
Cllr Mark John to the Cabinet Member - Climate Change and Environment
Could I have a progress report on the Bridgend Heat Network.
Response
The Bridgend Town Heat Network Phase 1 Project proposes to deliver heat and electricity, via a gas powered combined heat and power (CHP) generator located within the Bridgend Life Centre, to the Bridgend Life Centre, Civic Offices, and the Bridgend Bowls Hall. A capital grant application was approved by UK Government via the Heat Network Investment Programme (HNIP) for £1,000,000 capital investment towards the construction of the heat network and £241,000 for pre-construction activities. The full agreed funding package consists of BCBC investment from the capital programme and prudential borrowing in addition to this HNIP grant.
The procurement for a main contractor is complete and a preferred contractor has been selected, however the construction cost has increased due to plant, labour, and material inflation in recent months meaning there is a shortfall of capital. The approved financial model was based on a Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) interest rate of 2.6%. However, interest rates have increased significantly since autumn 2022 resulting in higher financing costs that could result in cash flow difficulties, particularly in the earlier years of the project operation. BCBC officers are in discussion with the contractor to understand how costs can be reduced.
An Outline Business Case (OBC) has been created for Phase 2 of the network and the preferred solution is a water source heat pump system installed within the Glanrhyd hospital boundary, capturing heat from the Ogmore river with gas boilers as backup and to meet peak heat demand. Sites have been identified for private wire connected solar PV, and options exist for sleeved or directly connected wind power and additional solar power. Twenty buildings are included in the current design of proposed scheme including Glanrhyd and Princess of Wales Hospitals, South Wales Police Training Centre, Bridgend College, and schools.
Phase 1 would also be adopted into Phase 2 thereby replacing the gas generator with a zero carbon energy source. The financial modelling underpinning the Phase 2 OBC was updated in March 2023 to account for inflationary driven increases in construction costs, and to use the most recent energy price projections and emissions factors. This showed the project is still financially viable.
A number of options were considered for the future development of both phases of the network. The preferred option was to transfer delivery of Phase 1 infrastructure into the Phase 2 development work currently underway and to explore commercial opportunities for ownership, delivery, and operation by a third party. Potential delivery partners could include including Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), Welsh Government (WG), and private sector companies and these are currently being explored and will be reported back in due course.