Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Kevin Morris Jones, Linda Morgan, Aled Wyn Jones and Gethin Williams.

To receive any declaration of personal interest

Councillors Berwyn Parry Jones and Owain Williams declared an interest in Item 6, and noted that they were members of the Joint Planning Policy Committee.

The members were of the opinion that they were prejudicial interests, and they withdrew from the meeting during the discussions on the item.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note.

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the meeting of this Committee, held on 10^th December, 2020 be signed as a true record. 

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 10 December 2020, as a true record.

CABINET MEMBER: Councillor Gareth W Griffith

To consider the report.

·         To accept the draft plan and note the observations received during the meeting and incorporate them in the document for public consultation. 

·         That the final version is submitted before the committee following the consultation period.

Submitted - the report of the Countryside Manager, highlighting the work that had been in progress. He reiterated that the aim of the plan was to ensure that accessible and safe access was available for people to use in the countryside, green spaces and along the coast. The Committee’s opinion was sought regarding the content of the latest review.

An overview of the three main headings incorporated in the plan was provided;

1) Maintain and manage the network - it was noted that different types of users needed to be addressed; however, priority was given to paths in categories 1 and 2.

2) The definitive map and statement - it was explained that this could be referred to should a case or dispute arise regarding the status or existence of a path.

3) Assess and meet the needs of users - It was noted that there had been an increased demand for multi-use paths during lockdown, as more people stayed local. It was explained that the lonydd glas allowed for this type of use to an extent.

It was explained that a marked difference when comparing with the previous plan was the absence of detailed work programme. Instead, it was noted that annual or two-yearly work programmes would be prepared. It was noted that the plan tied in with the policies of the Council, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales.

Before opening the discussion up to the committee, the members were asked to consider whether the report conveyed, in their opinion, the aspirations and requirements of the people of Gwynedd, considering accessible countryside access.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by Members:-

- The members gave thanks for the draft report and the discussion was commenced by enquiring what methods had been used to assess accessibility for disabled people as there was so many diverse needs. In addition, it was asked whether disability organisations had been consulted as part of the plan.

- What steps were intended to be taken to update the information in terms of the condition of the network? Attention was given to the possibility of grading the accessibility of the different paths, in order for residents to plan using appropriate paths that met their needs.

- A discussion was held on whether there was a risk of losing paths in lower categories that did not receive regular funding such as categories 1 or 2.

- It was noted that some landowners refused to accept that there was a public footpath on their land. This was reiterated and it was noted that barriers such as fences disrupted some paths as a result of this.

- A discussion was held on the possibility of clear signage in order to show the right way for walkers or users, as some paths were vague.

- The committee's attention was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

CABINET MEMBER: Councillor Gareth W Griffith

To consider the report.

To accept the report and to note the observations.

The Team Leader, Joint Planning Policy Unit, presented the report with the aim of raising awareness about the supplementary planning guidance. The committee was asked to provide feedback before the report was submitted to the Joint Planning Policy Committee for approval to adopt or not.

The contents were reported upon and then attention was drawn to Appendix 2, namely a comprehensive draft version of the Supplementary Planning Guidance that had already been submitted to the Scrutiny and Partnership Committee, Isle of Anglesey Council.

During the discussion, the following observations were submitted by members:-

- It was questioned whether the new policy allowed sites for static caravans as well as touring units

- Concern was expressed regarding over-tourism as was seen last year following the easing of restrictions.

- It was reiterated that a very high number of caravan sites existed in Gwynedd already.

In response to the members’ observations, it was noted:

- That the policy in question permitted new touring caravans as well as new static caravans, provided that the static sites were not located within an AONB or Special Landscape Area. It was noted that the policies in relation to caravan sites would be the subject of the process of reviewing the Joint Local Development Plan.

- In relation to the concerns of over-tourism, assurance was given that this would be revisited.

- There were many examples where applications had been refused if they were contrary to relevant plans, and there was scope to refuse developments that did not comply with relevant policies.

- That there were major changes afoot on a national level regarding planning and that this would be considered when reviewing the plan.

RESOLVED

To accept the report and to note the observations.

CABINET MEMBER: Councillor Gareth W Griffith.

To consider the report.

To accept the contents of the report and to note the observations.

The report of the Head of the Environment Department was presented, highlighting the different aspects that the public protection service had been dealing with over the past period.

It was reiterated that the service's profile had been highlighted as they had been working recently on the front-line by contact tracing and in relation to COVID-19 regulation compliance.

One concern for the service in moving forward was explained, namely the provision of normal service, i.e. food hygiene inspections as places reopened, as well as the current requirements relating to the pandemic.

It was added that three additional officers had been appointed to share the burden of work as the demands on the service grew. It was reiterated that the new officers would be developed and trained for the purpose of retaining them as Environmental Health Officers in the future, to strengthen the service.

During the discussion, the following observations were made by Members:-

- Members gave thanks for the report and thanked the whole department for their very important work during the COVID-19 period.

- It was reiterated that cases of COVID-19 had increased in the Bala area for example, and that tracing officers had worked tirelessly in order to contact everyone involved.

- It was asked how the department dealt with residents that had started food businesses from their homes during the pandemic.

- The news that three new members had been appointed to the department was welcomed and it was noted that this was a good move for the future.

- Members gave thanks for all e-mail updates provided on the public protection situation and it was reiterated that this report outlined the additional work that was being done.

- It was asked whether the service was confident that it would be able to cope with its workload when normal duties returned.

In response to the above observations, the following was noted:-

- It was explained that the department was supporting the residents who had established food businesses from their homes during lockdown. However, everyone did not contact the department to register and it was noted that this was essential so that the department could ensure health and safety standards.

- It was reiterated that the department's purpose was to support and engage, and not to punish and enforce.

- It was noted that the service would be under pressure should inspections recommence at the usual scale, on top of the COVID-19 duties.

- It was acknowledged that the department's officers worked long hours and that this was now a long-term situation, and not a temporary one as initially anticipated.

- It was noted that support from the Council and Welsh Government to appoint additional staff was to be welcomed as this reduced pressure on officers.

- In relation to the COVID-19 situation, it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.