Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report by Councillors Hugh Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development and Huw Jones, Lead Member for Leisure, Youth, Tourism and Rural Development (copy enclosed) updating Cabinet on Town and Area Plans and seeking adoption of the plans for Rhyl, Denbigh and Rhuddlan and approval of funding for the priorities contained within those plans.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the adoption of Area Plans (incorporating the existing Town Plans) for Rhyl, Denbigh and Rhuddlan;

(b)       approve the funding for the priorities detailed in the above referred Area Plans, and

(c)        note the information with regard to spend to date against Town and Area Plans.

Councillor Hugh Evans presented the report seeking adoption of the Town and Area Plans for Rhyl, Denbigh and Rhuddlan and approval of funding for the priorities contained within those plans.  The report also provided an update of spend to date against Town and Area Plans.

Councillor Evans highlighted the need to link Town/Area Plans to the economic strategy and explained how the plans contributed to the corporate priority of developing the local economy and bringing the Council closer to communities.  In terms of the Rhyl Plan he explained how it was linked and aligned to existing plans, including Rhyl Going Forward and Rhyl City Strategy.  Councillor Joan Butterfield supported the Rhyl Plan for approval and thanked officers for their guidance in its development.  In response to questions from Councillor Meirick Davies regarding Rhyl Railway Station, the Chair asked the Lead Member for Public Realm to investigate the funding allocation and works to be carried out.

The Economic and Business Development Manager responded to questions regarding spend to date and explained the process of monitoring funding for Town and Area Plans.  Councillor Eryl Williams raised concern that proof of match funding had been required for a project in his area with no such requirement for other areas.  The Chief Executive agreed the need for a clear position on match funding and felt that as a general principle projects should not commence until match funding had been secured.  During discussion the important role of the Member Area Groups in monitoring spend and reviewing projects’ progress was raised together with the need for realistic project timescales.  The lack of consistency across the Town and Area Plans was highlighted and the need to ensure allocations based on the best use for communities.  Councillor Bobby Feeley in particular expressed her concerns about the way monies had been allocated and although she agreed to accept the town and area plans this year, she asked that the plans be ‘sharpened up’ in line with the content of the Corporate Plan before next year.  The Corporate Director Economic and Community Ambition gave assurances that the issues raised by members would be considered as part of the review into the Area Plans process.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approve the adoption of Area Plans (incorporating the existing Town Plans) for Rhyl, Denbigh and Rhuddlan;

(b)       approve the funding for the priorities detailed in the above referred Area Plans, and

(c)        note the information with regard to spend to date against Town and Area Plans.