Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor Huw Jones, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Youth (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s support for the formation of a Joint Committee for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       supports the formation of a Joint Committee for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB;

(b)       agrees the Authority signs with Wrexham and Flintshire the Legal Agreement prepared by legal, financial and the AONB Officer as set out in the appendix to the report, and

(c)        the Joint Committee and AONB Partnership ensure that local members whose wards are wholly or partically within the area of the AONB are regularly updated and informed of the business to be considered by both the Joint Committee and AONB Partnership.

Councillor Huw Jones presented the report seeking Cabinet’s support for the formation of a Joint Committee (JC) for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB which now stretched across Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire.  The existing AONB Committee had recommended a JC to strengthen relations with local authorities and ensure good governance.  Leaders, Chief Executives and Lead Officers from the three local authorities had been supportive of the approach.

The Principal Countryside Officer (PCO) responded to members’ questions, elaborating upon the requirements for creating a JC together with the proposals in terms of membership, powers and roles, operational support and the benefits to be derived from such an approach.  Cabinet was supportive of a partnership approach but sought assurances regarding the involvement of local members within the process together with local accountability.  The PCO clarified that membership of the JC would be determined by each individual authority and would be supported by an AONB Partnership and Annual Forum involving local members.  The JC would also report back to the local authorities’ executives/committees.  In response to a question from the Leader the PCO highlighted the potential economic impact and value to the area as a consequence of the expanded AONB range, specifically in terms of tourism and grant funding leading to the development of various projects.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       supports the formation of a Joint Committee for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB;

(b)       agrees the Authority signs with Wrexham and Flintshire the Legal Agreement prepared by legal, financial and the AONB Officer as set out in the appendix to the report, and

(c)        the Joint Committee and AONB Partnership ensure that local members whose wards are wholly or partially within the area of the AONB are regularly updated and informed of the business to be considered by both the Joint Committee and AONB Partnership.