Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

There were no declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the Forward Work Programme of the Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee and to inform the Committee of progress against actions from previous meetings.

(a)     That subject to the above amendment the Forward Work Programme be approved;

(b)     That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)    That the Committee notes the progress made in completing the outstanding

         Actions

The Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator presented the Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking report. An update was provided on the items being presented to the next meeting on the 6 February together with an overview of the items scheduled for the March, June and July meetings . 

The Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator then referred to the Action Tracking report and provided an update to ongoing and completed items. Members were invited to raise any further items they wished to include on the Programme.

Councillor Mike Peers referred to the minutes point on the action tracking report and reported on a conversation with the Democratic Services Manager who had confirmed that this information would be circulated shortly.

Councillor Richard Lloyd moved the recommendations in the report and this was seconded by Councillor David Coggins Cogan.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That subject to the above amendment the Forward Work Programme be approved;

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

(c)       That the Committee notes the progress made in completing the outstanding Actions.

To receive the Q2 performance report from Ambition North Wales.

That the Committee considered and noted the Quarter 2 Performance Report.

The Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) introduced the report which presented the Quarter 2 (July to September 2023-24) Growth Deal Performance Report.  It was reported that £120m was provided by the UK and Welsh Government to support a series of capital projects.  The Ambition North Wales team provided an Annual Report on progress with quarterly updates provided the Chief Officer to committee.

The Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) referred members to point 1.4.2 in the report which outlined the changes  to the projects which had dropped out. This had enabled  six new projects to be invited to join the Growth Deal. Point 1.4.4 in the report included an update on the five red projects for Quarter 2 and the Chief Officer highlighted the traffic issues around the Wrexham Gateway project. He then referred to the reclamation of land within the Holyhead Harbour Project and the granting of the Harbour Revision Order by Welsh Government. It was explained that Appendix A of the report provided a brief summary of each of the projects.

Councillor Mike Peers raised several questions which were answered by the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy).

In response to the site compliance point at Warren Hall, it was explained that a Development Brief was required to set parameters for the site. He referred to the Airfields Safety Report which was received in October and had raised concerns around the glide path of the larger aircraft going into Broughton.  The report had confirmed that no earth works were required at Warren Hall which was a positive step in moving this development forward.

            In response to the question on the impact of the LDP at Warren Hall, the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) confirmed that this was also a positive step forward. He outlined how the Planning Strategy Group would bring forward the supplementary Development Planning Brief for the site and would then push Welsh Government to develop this site.

In responding to the point on the RAG status against investment and risk, the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) said the risks were reflected in the summary risks profile and mostly related to obtaining consent. He referred Members to point 1.4.4 in the report which provided detail on the five project which were currently showing as red and provided more information on this.

In response to the scrutiny point the Chief Officer it was explained that Ambition North Wales were not only scrutinised by Overview & Scrutiny Committees but also by the Wales Audit Office and Auditors on behalf of the UK Government with a review undertaken every year. 

            In response to the comment made concerning the Welsh dates in the English version of the document, the Chief Officer (Planning Environment & Economy) agreed to feed this back to the Ambition North Wales team.

Councillor Mike Peers moved the recommendation in the report and this was seconded by Councillor David Coggins Cogan.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee considered and noted the Quarter 2 Performance Report.

To provide an update following the conclusion of the public consultation and present the final draft of the strategy for adoption.

(a)       That the Committee note the portfolio’s performance against the current standards and policy.

(b)       That the Committee note the revised Street Lighting policy

(c)       That the changes agreed with Officers would be put to Cabinet

The Highway Network Manager introduced Darrell Jones, the Operational Area Manager (North & Street Lighting). The report provided information on the periodic review of the Policy in line with changes in demand.

The Operational Area Manager provided an overview on the Streetlighting, Traffic Signals and Associated Equipment Policy and Specifications   This was an update from the previous agreed policy and related to adopting the highway network and infrastructure for the Council.  Information was provided on the policy, equipment installation and standards which included street lighting, traffic signals and signs and other external items such as EV chargers and defibrillators which had not previously been included. The Policy and Specifications now included all relevant standards.

Councillor Mike Peers raised a number of questions :-

In response to the Vehicle Activated Signs question the Operational Area Manager confirmed that the 30 mph signs were currently switched off and had been covered. They were being maintained electrically and structurally but were not in use.

In response to the column and lighting assets question the Operational Area Manager reported on the lifespan of the variety of infrastructure which existed in the county.  A project replacing the lanterns was undertaken a number of years ago but the issues now were with the infrastructure and columns. Information was provided on the work of the external company undertaking a rolling programme of inspections together with an explanation of the traffic signals site visits which were undertaken every year because of their shorter lifespan.

In response to the question on Night Inspections it was agreed there was an error in the document and it was agreed to correct this. These were carried out every 28 days during the summer months and 14 days during the winter months.  In response to the question by Councillor Peers for a criteria to be included in the Policy, the Operational Area Manager explained that the10 day period was for inspection of the Streetscene sites with the aim for these to be undertaken as quickly as possible.  In some instances such as DNO (Direct Network Operator)(Scottish Power) if it was identified as a mains fault, then the information would be passed to Scottish Power who defaulted to the OFGEM Regulations with regard to the repair of that light. This was published on the Council’s website and Infonet.

With regard to the part night lighting question the Operational Area Manager explained that this had been trialled on numerous occasions in areas within Flintshire and was still being undertaken in some areas. Consultations and assessments had been carried out with local members, emergency services and local groups and an outline was provided of the savings which could be achieved and areas which could be considered for part night lighting.   

In response to the Dimming question the Operational Area Manager explained that this was covered under the previous policy to dim all lanterns by 30%, this excluded the vulnerable areas and CCTV areas. This provided the savings during the darker hours when less vehicle traffic and footfall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

To provide an update on the development of the facilities at Bailey Hill in Mold.

That the Committee noted the successful completion of development at Bailey Hill in Mold.

In presenting the Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) explained that this was an update report outlining the works which had taken place at Bailey Hill in Mold.

            The Service Manager (Enterprise and Regeneration) commented that the report marked the end of a development period and set out the work which had been carried out on this Council owned green space.  Information was provided on the partnership between the County Council, Mold Town Council, the Friends of Bailey Hill Group and Aura. Point 1.04 of the report provided information on the £1.7m external funding received by the project with point 1.05 highlighting the works which were undertaken.  A successful programme of events had also taken place with schools and other organisations to raise awareness and ensure that the site was used. It was explained that Cadw and archaeologists were involved throughout these works which were unfortunately delayed because of Covid.  The report contained information on the archaeological items and human remains which were found together with evidence of the castle walls which had delayed the project and affected its design and it was explained how the these were managed and supported. The play area had been relocated because of the items found on the site and was moved to the outer bailey and was due to be completed soon. Moving forward the emphasis was on maintaining the site and improving biodiversity to maintain the green status for the site and an explanation was provided on how this was being managed. An overview of the different organisations using the site was given and the community work supporting it.

            The Chair commented that he had visited the site saying it was beautiful and  was an exceptional area within the town.

In response to a question from Councillor David Coggins on the resource implications the Service Manager said he was unable to provide that information because the centre had not been operational for a full year. It was part funded by National Lottery and funders but a better indication would be available in March this year from Mold Town Council.

In response to a question from Councillor Mike Peers on the resource implications at point 2.01 the Service Manager explained that part year figures had been obtained from Mold Town Council which highlighted a deficit. It was difficult to charge a higher rate of income for the small building and work would be undertaken with the Town Council to keep the deficits to the minimum whilst providing that community resource.

Responding to a question regarding the Green Flag status from Councillor Mike Peers the Service Manager explained that this was a kite marked status for green spaces, parks predominately.  It was explained that the site had achieved three out of the seven years, with four years to go. The criteria involved managing of the park effectively as regards litter and dog waste and include safety management and community involvement. The feedback received  had been very positive.

The Chief Officer (Planning, Environment & Economy) commented that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting as he following item is considered to be exempt by virtue of Paragraph(s) 14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

To provide an update to the Committee.

(a)       That the Committee noted the update on the fleet contract and proposal to present the update to Cabinet in January 2024.

(b)       That the Committee supported the preferred option to bring the fleet operations and management back in-house to ensure the seamless continuation of this critical service.

(c)       That the Committee support Cabinet approval of a further short-term with the current supplier for no more than 12 months, to allow the council time to make alternative provision.

In presenting the report the Highway Network Manager provided background information with regard to the discussions held with the contractor the legal advice which had been obtained and the Options available for the Authority.

During the discussion, several questions were raised by Members with answers provided by the Highway Network Manager. It was agreed that the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and the Regional Transport Strategy would highlight the Committee’s concerns at the Cabinet meeting.

Councillor Alasdair Ibbotson  moved the recommendations in the report and this was seconded by Councillor Richard Lloyd.

Councillor Coggins-Cogan suggested that this matter be considered at a Flintshire County Council meeting in order to explore whether to bring the service back in-house.  The Cabinet Member for Streetscene and the Regional Transport Strategy commented that he had no issue with the matter being discussed at Flintshire County Council.  The Highway Network Manager said that he would seek advice from the legal officer on this following the meeting. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee noted the update on the fleet contract and proposal to present the update to Cabinet in January 2024;

(b)       That the Committee supported the preferred option to bring the fleet operations and management back in-house to ensure the seamless continuation of this critical service; and

(c)        That the Committee support Cabinet approval of a further short-term with the current supplier for no more than 12 months, to allow the council time to make alternative provision.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.

There were no members of the press or public in attendance.