Loading
The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED - That, subject to the aforementioned amendments, the Work Programme attached at Appendix 1 to report COGC/08/24s be agreed.
AGREED – (i) That the Lead Member for Housing & Climate Champion and Officers be thanked for the comprehensive report. (ii) That the Committee understands the financial complexities and the future sustainability of the programme. (iii) To recommend to the Decarbonisation Programme Board that the existing road networks and those forming part of Active Travel routes be improved. (iv) That the Committee considers a further progress report in 12 months’ time.
An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Fred Roberts.
Decision as recorded
AGREED - That, subject to the aforementioned amendments, the Work Programme attached at Appendix 1 to report COGC/08/24s be agreed.
The Chief Officer Governance and Customer submitted a report (COGC/08/24s) asking Members to consider the Committee’s Work Programme. The Scrutiny Facilitator introduced the report and drew Members’ attention to paragraph 4.1 of the report which highlighted the changes made to the Work Programme at the last Meeting, in December 2023. The following points were noted: · The report on Improving Public Transport was being deferred from 21 February to 15 May 2024. · The report on the Housing Allocations Policy was being brought forward from 15 May to 21 February 2024. AGREED - That, subject to the aforementioned amendments, the Work Programme attached at Appendix 1 to report COGC/08/24s be agreed.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – (i) That the Lead Member for Housing & Climate Champion and Officers be thanked for the comprehensive report. (ii) That the Committee understands the financial complexities and the future sustainability of the programme. (iii) To recommend to the Decarbonisation Programme Board that the existing road networks and those forming part of Active Travel routes be improved. (iv) That the Committee considers a further progress report in 12 months’ time.
The Lead Member for Housing submitted a report (COET/02/24s) to update Members on progress with active travel work across the county borough, including the status of active travel network maps, key projects and future aspirations. The Lead Member presented the report and highlighted the main points contained within it. He introduced Rachel Penman, Head of Service (Strategy) and Daniel Morris, Active Travel Officer. They gave a presentation to Members on the following: · Active Travel Act (Wales) 2013 · Active Travel (definition) · Llwybr Newydd: Transport Strategy and the Sustainable Transport Hierarchy · Active Travel Network Maps (ATNMs) · Route Prioritisation · Current Active Travel Projects A debate ensued and the Lead Member and Officers responded to questions accordingly. The following points were raised: · Importance of ensuring that rural areas were considered as well as urban. Officers advised that in the active travel network map, there were designated settlements which had been identified across Wrexham as having potential for active travel. A further report would be brought to this Committee on linking different transport modes across urban and rural areas. · The Lead Member gave an update on public transport and explained that work was being introduced over a two year period. The first phase of the work had seen an introduction of evening bus services, which had been well patronised, particularly over the Christmas and New Year period. The second phase was to look at rural communities, but this was subject to available funding and budget. · Concern expressed regarding the lack of bike storage in the City Centre, particularly given that active travel was being encouraged. Officers advised that some work was being done with regards to potential investment in providing improved bike storage. The Head of Service (Strategy) referred to a cycle storage unit which had been installed at the Wellbeing Hub at Crown Buildings which had lockable doors and was much more secure. · Confirmation that cyclists were not allowed to cycle in pedestrianised areas. Officers advised that work was being undertaken with the team in Economic Development to identify routes for cyclists in the city centre that was separate to pedestrian areas but still made it encouraging for them to visit. · Clarification sought regarding contributions from local developers. It was noted that Officers from the Environment Department were able to comment on planning applications and ensure that links were made to the active travel map. It was further noted that work was progressing well on the review of the Strategic Planning Guidance notes which were due to be considered by the Planning Policy Panel, before submission to Executive Board. · Confirmation that an audit was currently being undertaken on travel routes with barriers in place. The aim was to remove barriers, but there was still a need to ensure that motorcycles were not able to access footpaths/pavements. Officers advised that consultation with local Members on the audit would begin at the end of March/beginning of April. · Recognition that delivery of active travel projects within the limited budget would be a huge challenge, but Officers would continue to prioritise and make the most of any other funding opportunity that might be available from other sources. · Suggestion that footpaths and pavements were in a poor state, and even impassable in some areas. The Lead Member reminded Members that one of the Council’s Corporate Priorities was Streetscene, and they may wish therefore to make a recommendation to the Decarbonisation Programme Board that the existing road networks and those forming part of Active Travel routes be improved. · Confirmation that the active travel team were now more involved in discussions regarding highway improvement schemes. · The Head of Service (Strategy) advised Members to use the Active Travel Map to identify any minor works required and to also contact the Active Travel Officer. · Confirmation that there was no intention to close through routes to schools and there would be consultation with Local Members. · The Lead Member gave an update on the composition and role of the Corporate Joint Committee, who looked into matters relating to strategic transport, planning and economy. AGREED – (i) That the Lead Member for Housing & Climate Champion and Officers be thanked for the comprehensive report. (ii) That the Committee understands the financial complexities and the future sustainability of the programme. (iii) To recommend to the Decarbonisation Programme Board that the existing road networks and those forming part of Active Travel routes be improved. (iv) That the Committee considers a further progress report in 12 months’ time.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
The council hasn't recorded attendance for this meeting.
Lists the council's current councillors only. Co-opted members, officers and former councillors aren't shown.