Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect a Chair for 2024/25.

To elect Councillor Hefin Underwood as Chair for 2024/25.

RESOLVED to elect Councillor Hefin Underwood as Chair for 2024/25.

To elect a Vice-chair for 2024/25.

To elect Councillor Elin Hywel as Vice-chair for 2024/25.

RESOLVED to Elect Councillor Elin Hywel as Vice-chair for 2024/25.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Elin Hywel, Richard Glyn Roberts, Gwilym Jones (Porthmadog Harbour Consultative Committee) and Nia Wyn Jeffreys (Cabinet Member, Economy and Community).

To receive any declaration of personal interest.

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To consider any items which are urgent matters in the opinion of the Chairman.

None to note.

The Chairman will propose that the minutes of the meeting of this committee, held on 05 March 2024, be signed as a true record.

The Chair signed the minutes of the previous meeting of this Committee held on 5 March 2024, as a true record. 

To submit the report of the Maritime and Country Parks Officer.

To note and accept the report.

The report was submitted by the Commercial Manager of Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour  and attention was drawn to the following main points:

Condolences were extended to the family and friends of Ruth James, a prominent member of the Mooring and Berth Holders Association (PMBHA) following her unexpected death earlier this year. It was noted that the police were still investigating the fatal incident and that the Coroner's final report was expected shortly.

It was reminded that officers received the views of Members of the Harbour Committee on the suitability of the Port Marine Safety Code. It was confirmed that the Code was regularly reviewed and was currently being updated by the Senior Harbour Officer and Maritime Services Manager. It was confirmed that Trinity House had recently visited the harbour and would report on this matter in due course.

Pwllheli Harbour Long-term Strategy

Pwllheli Harbour's Long-term Strategy was highlighted. The Strategy was said to identify a vision for the Pwllheli harbour area and offered a development framework for future investments. Members and all individuals who had provided input into the strategy to date were thanked. It was elaborated that the Strategy identified key aspects for future success, i.e.

·       A sustainable long-term programme for the main dredging challenges

·       Renovating the necessary structures of pontoons and posts

·       Delivering long-term investment by earmarking internal budgets to address certain elements of improvements, by preparing business cases and targeting financial sources to attract investment

·       Implementing the following decisions in conjunction with wider plans for the town of Pwllheli.

It was confirmed that work was already underway to develop these aspects through work streams and an investment programme for Hafan Pwllheli and Harbour. It was acknowledged that the current financial situation was challenging but it was noted that there were several positive developments to date, such as:

·       The decision made by the Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet to earmark up to £5.4m to contribute towards the costs of dredging and renovating the infrastructure within the harbour (pontoons and posts), as part of Cyngor Gwynedd's Asset Management Plan 2024-2034. There was assurance that this money was in addition to existing harbour funds. The Assistant Head of the Economy and Community Department confirmed that this funding had been committed to the harbour following a review of the assets requiring priority investment over the next 10 years. The need to develop business cases and financial bids for additional funding was anticipated.

·       Assurance that funds had been earmarked for the completion of improvements to the North Quay area.

·       An opportunity to strengthen links between Pwllheli town centre and the harbour had been highlighted through the town's Placemaking Plan.

·       Close collaboration with Cyngor Gwynedd's Environment Department and the Hen Ynys Management and Development Plan to create a nature, recreation and well-being area.

It was emphasised that a partnership with public bodies, businesses and communities was key to ensuring that the area reached its full potential.

An enquiry was received on the proposal within the report to develop a landscaped open performance area on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To note that the next meeting will be held on 11 March 2025.

It was stated that the next meeting would be held on 11 March 2025.