Decision details

The Service Director, Planning provided Members with the feedback of the public consultation exercise carried out on the draft Porth Town Centre Strategy; and the focussed service user consultation on the specific proposals to relocate the services currently provided by Alec Jones Day Centre to the new Community Hub at Porth Plaza.

Members were reminded of the strategy which set out an integrated, co-ordinated and holistic approach to town centre regeneration that takes into account the distinctive role Porth has at the heart of the community and its important location for services, employment, housing and transport functions.

Members were advised of the feedback received in respect of the two 6 week consultations that were undertaken, with positive face to face communication received and  80% of respondents to the Porth Town Centre Strategy questionnaire positively responding that the strategic objectives outlined in the proposals would improve Porth Town Centre although some concerns were raised about increased parking issues and the timeline for the project causing disruption to the area.  In respect of the targeted consultation with the Alec Jones Day Centre 92% of service users responded to this question stating that they would attend the new Community Hub and nobody stated that they would stop attending the activities. Concerns were raised by local businesses in respect of the provision of hot meals within the Community hub and the potential affects this would have on businesses within the High Street.  Officers advised Members that following these concerns, the requests of the existing service users of the day centre and the constraints around the layout of Porth Plaza, it would be necessary to explore alternative options for provision of hot meals.

The Cabinet Member for  Enterprise, Development & Housing welcomed the positive responses that had been received in respect of both consultations, commenting on the small number of concerns that been raised.  The Cabinet Member spoke on the opportunities for further development within the Rhondda highlighting transportation hubs around the metro and wider regeneration opportunities.

The Leader also commented upon the positive responses received to both consultations and welcomed the further work to be taken forward by officers and the local community with service users in respect of the food outlet.  The Leader advised of the discussions taking place with bus operators and Transport 4 Wales regarding opportunities surrounding synchronised timetabling and ticketing going forward.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the responses to the public consultation exercise undertaken in respect of the Porth Town Centre Strategy and further determined that no amendments were required to the proposals.

2.    To note the responses to the focussed service user consultation on the specific proposals to relocate the activities currently provided at Alec Jones Day Centre to the new Community Hub at Porth Plaza and further determined that no amendments were required to the proposals.

3.    That in response to the feedback received through the consultation as set out in paragraph 7.4 and 7.8 of the report, authorise the Director, Public Health, Protection & Community Services to undertake a further engagement exercise with the service users of Alec Jones Day Centre to identify and put in place the necessary arrangements for alternative hot meal provision.

4.    To approve the Porth Town Centre Strategy (subject to any changes as result of the engagement process outlined above) and the further development and delivery of schemes as set out within the document.