Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed the new Members to the Committee and apologies of absence for Councillor S Evans were noted.

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.   Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct there were no declarations of interest made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting which was held on the 8^th March, 2018.

Members RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 8^th March, 2018 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

To receive the report of the Director, Regeneration, Planning & Housing, updating the Cabinet Committee on the proposal for a new footbridge from the Taff Vale redevelopment over the River Taff to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

1.    To note the recent progress made and endorse the approach detailed in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.4 of the report

The Service Director, Corporate Design & Maintenance provided Members with an update on the Taff Vale Developments, with particular reference to the proposed new footbridge to the north western corner of the park and the town centre.  The Service Director highlighted that the new access would provide significantly improved pedestrian connectivity between the town centre and the park and provide a circular pedestrian route between both key areas.

Members were advised of the developments since the last meeting of the Committee and the Service Director advised of the proposed approach and next steps in respect of the developments and the park.  Members were advised of the proposed demolition of the former changing room block and the felling of the overgrown conifers within that area, as outlined in appendix 1 of the report, which would assist with the installation of the bridge and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the area and further utilise the northern end of the park.  Members were also provided with details of further trees within the park likely to require removal, as outlined within Appendix 2 of the report.  The Service Director concluded his report by advising Members of the programme milestones going forward.

The Chair thanked the officers for the report and commented on the proposals listed within and asked that a replanting scheme be taken forward to mitigate the tree loss, to which the Service Director confirmed would be taken forward. The Chair commented on recent social media enquiries and took the opportunity to clarify that no car parking facilities would be provided within the park.

Other Committee Members spoke on the proposals and sought clarity that the avenue tress and the remaining line of London Planes, defining the north western extent of the park, be retained as key features of the park.  The Service Director confirmed that these trees were not included within the proposed felling, although added that to protect the trees some of the branches may need to be cut to allow construction work access.

Following discussions, Members confirmed that they were happy to support the proposals going forward and RESOLVED:

1.    To note the recent progress made and endorse the approach detailed in paragraphs 6.1 to 6.4 of the report.

To receive the report of the Director, Public Health & Protection providing Members with an update on the progress made to date in the development of a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Parks for People application for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

1.    To note the progress made to date and support the ongoing project work in preparation of a submission of a Parks for People stage 2 application for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park during August 2019.

Following a brief overview of the report by the Head of Leisure, Parks & Countryside theLeisure & Parks Facility Development Manager provided Members with an update on the progress made to date in the development of a Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People application for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

Members were reminded of the successful Stage 1 application which would support the preparation of a stage 2 application which would be submitted during August 2019.  The Manager advised that the core elements of the project include the development of a horticultural training facility, the restoration of the bandstand and sunken garden within the park, as well as improvements to the mock rock outcrop area.  Further improvements would be made in terms of access and interpretation throughout the park.

The Officer referred Members to 5.1 of the report which outlined the progress made in relation to the development of the application including the appointment of the Project Manager for the development phase, the development of an activity plan, focusing on delivering engagement activities for families, volunteering opportunities and the development of a ‘Friends of Group’.  Members were also advised of the links made with RCT Learning Curve and Pontypridd High School.

The Leisure & Parks Facility Development Manager also provided details of the footfall to the park over a 12 month period, advising that from April 2017 – March 2018 over 680,000 users had entered the park.  The Manager commented on the benefits Members may experience from a potential visit to the Park and the opportunity to meet The Environment Partnership to discuss the HLF programme.

The Chair thanked the officer for the report and commented on the appointment of the Project Manager and the importance of the consultation that needs to be taken forward within the summer months with the public and also other organisations.  The Chair welcomed the proposed visit and also spoke of the benefits the HLF programme would bring to schools and the future generations of the County Borough with the development of the Horticulture Training Facility. The Chair queried what developments had been taken forward with the schools to date and the Leisure & Parks Facility Development Manager advised of the positive work undertaken with Pontypridd High School and the potential roll out to other secondary schools going forward.  Members were advised that interest had also been sought by primary schools in respect of the facility and the links already made with Learning Curve were also detailed.

Members queried the development of the ‘Friends of Group’ and officers confirmed that they would be developing the group by looking at other successful models taken forward across the Authority.

Following discussions the Committee RESOLVED:

1.    To note the progress made to date and support the ongoing project work in preparation of a submission of a Parks for People stage 2 application for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park during August 2019.

2.    That the trustees of the park meet with officers from The Environment Partnership