Agenda and minutes

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 disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Public Service Delivery, Communities and Prosperity Community Committee held on 12^th November 2020

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting of the 12 November 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

The Chair advised that the letter referred to in the minutes was sent to the Director on behalf of the Committee

The Group Director Prosperity, Development and Frontline Services presented a report that updated Members of the on the impact on the Community Recycling Centres during Covid 19 period.  He advised members of the changes in the way the CRC’s had to operate during various lockdown periods to comply with COVID Legislation and stated that members of the public, in large, complied with the guidelines when using the CRC’s. 

He advised members of the performance of the CRC’s during the first 6 months of the financial year and highlighted that the target set by Welsh Government had still been achieved despite the challenges of the global pandemic.  He added that the figures were down just 0.56% on the same period last year.

The Chairman asked how is this Christmas tree recycling had been operating.

The Group Director advised the Committee that approximately 60-65 trees had been collected per day and all trees should be cleared by the end of the week.  He added that the street cleansing teams had been supporting multiple service areas during this time and the volume had been quite substantial.  He further advised members that once the trees were collected, they were shredded which meant that approximately 800 trees fitted in to one skip.

The Chairman asked how the recycling figures were over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Group Director advised that more than double the amount that was usually collected was collected in the week before, during and after Christmas on dry recycling and food waste.  He added that over 400 tonnes of food waste and 450 tonnes of dry recycling had been collected in one day, whereas the previous year this figure would have been collected over a week.   He further added that the residual figure had also dropped.

A members asked if there was currently a backlog of recycling from the Christmas and New Year period.

The Group Director stated that there was currently no backlog.  He advised that four streets had suffered a delay due to ice and the vehicles not being able to safely access the street.  He added that recycling would normally still be being sorted at Bryn Pica in February, however this had been cleared already.

A member asked what implications the first lockdown had on fly tipping

The Group Director stated that the impact of the first lockdown was not significant.  He advised members that the issue was catching the offenders and fining them as they never leave evidence.  Flytippers that had left evidence had been prosecuted accordingly.

A members stated that some of his residents had reported issues trying to get a supply of recycling bags

The Group Director advised that due to the national lockdowns and people having to stay at home there had been a huge surge in recycling.  This combined with some of the distribution points being closed had resulted in some people having difficulties getting a supply.  However he advised that there were still plenty of distribution points still open and if  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Group Director updated members on the potential new development at Bryn Pica and presented them the proposed Strategic Business Case.

He advised that outline planning permission for the Eco Park was granted in Dec-    18 and works are progressing to clear the site ready for development. Outline plans for the Eco Park include:

·         Development 6,000 m2 of commercial / industrial indoor floor space within 4 light industrial units.

·         Options for expansion of a 5th Industrial unit as the scheme develops.

·         Provision of an external operational / storage space.

·         Electrical and Heat Off-Take connections to Tomorrows Valley Waste Treatment Plant.

·         Offices, welfare and educational facilities.

·         Targeting 60 new jobs in the circular economy across the Eco Park Scheme.

·         The presentation will set out the strategic case for the proposed investment associated with the proposed Bryn Pica Eco Park. The scheme is strongly aligned with the requirement of Welsh Government’s Future Generation Act 2015, particularly in respect of the emphasis on sustainable living and the provision of good quality local employment opportunities.

RESOLVED: Members noted the update

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chairman thanked the officers for attending and asked for an update to come back to members in 6 months’ time.

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

Members were advised of the consultations available for consideration by the Committee

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

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