Agenda item
RHYL REGENERATION PROGRAMME AND GOVERNANCE
To consider a report by the Economic and Business Development Officer (copy attached) which outlines the work undertaken through the Rhyl Regeneration Programme, the governance arrangements which support that work, and seeks members’ observations on the information provided.
10.05am – 10.45am
Minutes:
The Leader
Councillor Hugh Evans provided members with background information behind the
regeneration programme in Rhyl. It was confirmed that Rhyl had two of the most
deprived wards within Wales.
Due to technical
difficulties video and audio connection with the Leader was lost. The Corporate
Director for Economy and Public Realm (CDEPR) proceeded to guide members
through the report (previously circulated). It was emphasised to members that
Rhyl as an area was in need of regeneration. It was stressed that officers
noted that all towns and wards had been faced with difficult times and needed
support.
Within the report an update of arrangements around the priority of the town centre vision and the governance arrangements had been included. A Rhyl Regeneration Programme Board had been established. It was confirmed that Rhyl MAG had been communicated with all developments and a Rhyl Reference Group attended by Rhyl Councillors, Rhyl Town Council members and the local AM and MP. It was stressed a lot of work had been completed in Rhyl. Including work on the promenade, harbour and ongoing work at the Marina Quay. It was confirmed that one of the priority areas was to concentrate on the town centre, whilst another one would focus on regeneration for the people and residents of Rhyl. Confirmation was given that a Rhyl Community Development Board had been established with partners such as health and the police.
Members were provided with more details from the Economic and Business Development Officer. The vision document included as an appendix to the report had been the result of 18 months of work and been signed off by Cabinet at the end of 2019. It was hoped it would provide guidance on the vision for the town centre and its regeneration.
During the ensuing debate members took the
opportunity to raise questions and
discussed various aspects of the report with
the officers present. Main discussion points focused on the following –
·
Technical
Advisory Note (TAN) 15 was Welsh Government (WG) advice in relation to
developments with regard to flooding. It was highlighted that a number of areas
within Rhyl had been identified as areas of potential flooding. Developments
within the flood areas needed to have special regard to how they would address
the flooding issues at the development site. It was confirmed that parts of
Rhyl would still remain on the flood risk maps. A number of schemes within Rhyl
to address concerns of flooding had begun. The guidance TAN 15, stated
regeneration development should be promoted with all aspects of the development
assessed.
·
Appendix
2 to the report illustrated that the regeneration work at Rhyl had been
separated into five different sectors. One of the sectors identified had been
access and movement. This addressed and looked at transport and parking in
Rhyl. Members heard a number of projects had been included to assess concerns.
It was stressed that work had begun to look at developments for transport in
Rhyl including work with the active travel routes, cycle paths and electric car
charging points. The work would be a long term aspect of the regeneration
project.
·
It was
stressed that members had not been excluded from the boards working on the
regeneration project. Officers welcomed feedback and input from members and
Rhyl councillors. Members heard that the Rhyl Regeneration Programme Board was
a technical forum that ensured agreed projects were interlinked and worked
together. It was felt an officer led board would best suited for any
information to then be communicated with the other boards and groups. Rhyl
Member Area Group (MAG) members had stressed a desire to be included on the
boards working on the Regeneration project. The CDEPR stated he would
feedback Rhyl MAG members’ concerns on board membership. It was suggested a
report be taken to Rhyl MAG to discuss further.
·
Officers
confirmed research into other regeneration projects completed by other local
authorities had taken place. The Rhyl Regeneration Programme Board officers had
worked with consultants who had been involved in other regeneration
developments within in the UK.
·
It was
confirmed that regard the Council’s Welsh Language policy would be complied
with as part of the marketing strategy.
·
Confirmation
was provided that Denbighshire had a commitment to aid and support the
homelessn. A number of projects and work to address the temporary and emergency
accommodation needs had begun. Members asked if it would be possible to include
a time limit on the planning permission for the proposed new homeless unit in East Rhyl to avoid the
property in time becoming another house in
multiple occupation (HMO). The
CDEPR confirmed he would discuss with the Rhyl MAG Chair to include a
report on homeless and how the local authority could work with the Town Council
to try and include them in plans to address the problem, on the forward work
programme (FWP) for MAG members to debate.
·
Members
discussed the need for motorhome parks in Rhyl and Denbighshire as a whole. It
was felt there would be a potential need for parking sites for individuals
visiting the area, particularly post COVID-19. The Head of Planning,
Public Protection and Countryside Services (HPPPCS) confirmed it would
beneficial to have discussions with officers from other departments to
investigate potential developments. The HPPPCS suggested to members that he
explored the provisions in place for a future report to scrutiny.
The Chair thanked the officers for the report
and detailed response to members questions and concerns. It was noted members
request to praise the work completed thus far on the Rhyl regeneration project.
Following the discussion members,
RESOLVED:
subject to the above observations -
i).
to
receive report on the Rhyl Regeneration Programme and Governance report and
note its contents;
ii).
that
the Corporate Director: Economy and
Public Realm liaise with Chair of the Rhyl Member Area Group to include a
report on the homeless accommodation provision in Rhyl and how the Council
could work with the Town Council to address the need, on the Member Area
Group’s Forward Work Programme;
iii).
that
the Head of Public Protection and Countryside Services discuss with other
officers the potential future provision for motorhome parking facilities in
Rhyl and Denbighshire as a whole, and
iv).
to
receive future updates on at least an annual basis on the development and
delivery of the Regeneration Programme.
Supporting documents:
- Rhyl Regeneration Programme and Governance Report 210121, item 5. PDF 243 KB
- Rhyl Regeneration Programme and Governance Report 210121 - App 1, item 5. PDF 11 MB
- Rhyl Regeneration Programme and Governance Report 210121 - App 2, item 5. PDF 161 KB
- Rhyl Regeneration Programme and Governance Report 210121 - App 3, item 5. PDF 105 KB