This week, Denbighshire Council held two meetings, focusing on planning applications and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Planning Committee on Wednesday 19 June 2024

The Planning Committee meeting was notable for its discussions on several planning applications, with significant decisions made on housing developments and land use.

Key Decisions

• Land at Arugoid, Clan Armin Unjal, Mold: The committee approved a reserved matters application for the development of 12 dwellings. This decision followed a detailed presentation by the agent, Mr. Richard Jones, who highlighted the sustainable housing scheme's compliance with local development plans and environmental considerations. The committee emphasized the importance of adhering to the Dark Skies Initiative and maintaining ecological balance.

Our scheme is policy compliant and supplies much-needed affordable dwellings, stated Mr. Jones.

• Land Adjacent to Churchyard Entrance, Church Street, Rhuddlan: A resubmission for a detached dwelling was approved. The committee considered the historical and conservation aspects of the site, ensuring that the development would not adversely affect the nearby Lich Gate and churchyard. Local members and officers discussed the importance of maintaining the area's character and the need for archaeological oversight during construction.

We must ensure that the development respects the historical significance of the site, noted a local member.

• Biogen Facility, Hollywood Road, Rhyl: The committee approved a variation of condition to allow the digestion of food and non-waste crops at the Biogen facility. This decision aims to optimize the plant's capacity and efficiency. The committee addressed concerns about potential impacts on local agriculture and the environment, ensuring that the facility's operations remain within regulated limits.

This proposal allows the plant to operate at full capacity, benefiting the local community and environment, explained an officer.

Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Joint Committee on Friday 21 June 2024

Unfortunately, no transcript or video was provided for this meeting. Therefore, we cannot provide specific details about the discussions or decisions made.

Implications and Themes

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing commitment to sustainable development, historical preservation, and community engagement. The approval of housing developments underscores the council's focus on addressing local housing needs while maintaining environmental and historical integrity. The decision regarding the Biogen facility reflects a balanced approach to optimizing local resources and supporting sustainable practices.

These themes align with the council's broader strategic goals, emphasizing the importance of careful planning, community involvement, and sustainable development. For more detailed information, you can refer to the Planning Committee meeting.

This week, Denbighshire Council held three meetings, focusing on governance, audit, and public services. Here are the key takeaways:

Governance and Audit Committee on Wednesday 12 June 2024

The Governance and Audit Committee convened to elect its chair and vice-chair for the new municipal year, review the internal audit's external quality assessment, and discuss the council's performance self-assessment.

Leadership Appointments

David Stewart was reappointed as chair, and Councillor Mark Young was reappointed as vice-chair. Both appointments were uncontested, reflecting the committee's confidence in their leadership.

Internal Audit External Quality Assessment

The committee reviewed the external quality assessment conducted by Alex Jenkins from Ceredigion Council. The assessment found that Denbighshire's internal audit service generally conforms to public sector internal audit standards, with 45 areas of full conformance, six partial, and five non-conformances. Key areas for improvement include the quality assurance and improvement programme and the internal audit charter.

We are making progress, but we need to continue improving while maintaining trust and respect, noted the chair.

Council's Performance Self-Assessment

The committee discussed the council's performance self-assessment for 2023-2024, focusing on key performance aims, financial planning, and risk management. The self-assessment highlighted areas for improvement, including the need for better integration of risk management into decision-making processes.

We must prioritize attendance, behavior, and additional learning needs to improve outcomes, emphasized a council member.

Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board on Friday 14 June 2024

The Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board (PSB) meeting focused on developing a PSB work plan, the next steps for the Healthy Travel Charter, and feedback from a shared learning event.

Development of a PSB Work Plan

The PSB approved a work plan that includes eight meetings per year, with a mix of formal and informal sessions. The plan focuses on deep dives into specific topics such as health deprivation, economic deprivation, and mental health.

Healthy Travel Charter Next Steps

The PSB endorsed the Healthy Travel Charter, which aims to reduce pollution, support active travel, and protect green spaces. Key actions include reducing pollution, supporting active travel, and providing reliable public transport.

Engaging with the local community and businesses is crucial to ensure the success of the initiative, emphasized a PSB member.

Feedback from PSB Shared Learning Event

The Chair provided feedback from a shared learning event, highlighting the importance of wider partnership working and clarity on the PSB’s focus areas. The PSB agreed to invite Derek Walker, the Well-being Future Generations Communications Officer, to join the board.

Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday 14 June 2024

This meeting was cancelled.

Implications and Themes

This week's meetings underscore the council's commitment to governance, strategic planning, and community engagement. The reappointments in the Governance and Audit Committee reflect stability in leadership, while the external quality assessment highlights areas for improvement in internal audit practices. The council's performance self-assessment and the PSB's work plan emphasize the importance of strategic planning and risk management. The endorsement of the Healthy Travel Charter aligns with broader goals of sustainability and community well-being. These themes are consistent with the council's ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and maintain fiscal responsibility.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Governance and Audit Committee meeting and the Conwy and Denbighshire Public Services Board meeting.

This week, Denbighshire Council held three meetings that addressed a range of issues from licensing regulations to educational performance and financial strategies.

Licensing Committee on Wednesday 05 June 2024

The Licensing Committee meeting covered several important topics, including leadership appointments, tributes, and a detailed discussion on Hackney Carriage Vehicles' fares and charges.

Leadership Appointments

Councillor Bobby Feeley was reappointed as chair, with Councillor Hugh Irving as vice-chair. Both appointments were uncontested, reflecting the council's confidence in their leadership.

Tribute to Councillor Wyn Mullen-James

The committee paid tribute to Councillor Wyn Mullen-James, who recently passed away. Councillor Feeley highlighted her years of service and dedication, noting her kindness and professionalism.

Hackney Carriage Vehicles' Fares and Charges

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the review of tariff charges for Hackney Carriage Vehicles. The committee considered whether to retain the current fares or increase them in line with a new fare calculator. After extensive debate, the committee decided to retain the current fares, with a review scheduled for the next year.

We need to balance the needs of the drivers with the affordability for the public, noted Councillor Andrea Tomlin.

Performance Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 06 June 2024

The Performance Scrutiny Committee focused on educational performance and the medium-term financial strategy.

Educational Performance

The committee reviewed the Estyn inspection report from 2018, discussing the progress made and ongoing challenges. The variability in outcomes among secondary schools and the evaluation of services for pupils in out-of-county placements were key points of discussion.

We must prioritize attendance, behavior, and additional learning needs to improve outcomes, emphasized a council member.

Medium-Term Financial Strategy

The committee also reviewed the medium-term financial strategy, highlighting a projected funding gap and the need for strategic financial planning. The discussion included potential council tax increases and savings measures to address budget deficits.

We need a robust approach to financial management to ensure the sustainability of our services, commented a committee member.

Standards Committee on Friday 07 June 2024

The Standards Committee meeting details have not yet been summarized.

Implications and Themes

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing focus on strategic planning, financial management, and community engagement. The decision to retain Hackney Carriage fares reflects a balanced approach to economic pressures and public affordability. The scrutiny of educational performance and financial strategies underscores the council's commitment to improving service delivery and maintaining fiscal responsibility. These themes align with the council's broader strategic goals, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and community involvement in decision-making processes.

This week, Denbighshire Council held two significant meetings that addressed critical issues ranging from planning applications to housing market assessments and long-term town initiatives.

Planning Committee on Wednesday 22 May 2024

The Planning Committee meeting covered several key topics, including leadership appointments, a moment of reflection, and various planning applications.

Leadership Appointments

Councillor Mark Young was appointed as the chair for the municipal year 2024-2025, with Councillor Alan James as the vice-chair. Both appointments were uncontested and supported by the council, reflecting confidence in their leadership.

Moment of Reflection

The council observed a minute of silence in memory of Councillor Windmill and James, who had recently passed away. Councillor Young expressed his condolences and highlighted their contributions.

Planning Applications

Several planning applications were discussed and decided upon:

• Cluitgate Motel, Clambetta, Dr. and Cluit Riffin: The application for external alterations and lighting was granted after addressing concerns about the impact on ecology and residential amenity.
• Former Generator Building at Cluitgate Motel: The conversion to holiday accommodation was approved with conditions to ensure compliance with policies.
• Former North Wales Hospital, Denbigh: The application was deferred due to ongoing legal discussions about the S106 agreement.
• Outbuilding at Havard Park, Botfarii: The demolition and conversion to a dwelling were approved with specific planning conditions.
• Tree Preservation Order at Town Hall, Clang Offlan: The order was confirmed to ensure greater control over works to the tree.
• Graig Quarry, Denbigh: Councillors Delif Jones and Arwell Jones were nominated to defend the council's decision to refuse planning permission for extending the quarry.

Cabinet on Tuesday 21 May 2024

The Cabinet meeting focused on the draft local housing market assessment and the establishment of a board for the long-term plan for towns initiative in Rhyl.

Draft Local Housing Market Assessment

The council discussed the current and future housing needs in Denbighshire, highlighting the need for 400 affordable homes per year for the first five years and 153 affordable homes per year for the next 15 years. The assessment is crucial for the local development plan, housing, and homelessness strategy.

The majority of the need is for smaller one or two-bedroom properties due to the high number of one or two-person households, noted a council member.

Long-Term Plan for Towns Initiative in Rhyl

The UK Government awarded £20 million to Rhyl for this initiative. The council must establish a board and appoint a chairperson by the 3rd of June. The funding aims to address safety and security, high streets heritage and regeneration, and transport and connectivity.

Engaging with the local community and businesses in Rhyl is crucial to ensure the success of the initiative, emphasized a council member.

Other topics included the approval of the minutes from the last meeting, declarations of interest, and the forward work program. The council also discussed the importance of clear communication to address perceptions that funding is disproportionately allocated to certain areas.

Implications and Themes

This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing focus on strategic planning and community engagement. The approval of various planning applications underscores the council's commitment to development while balancing ecological and residential concerns. The draft local housing market assessment and the long-term plan for towns initiative in Rhyl reflect a broader strategy to address housing needs and community development, themes we've discussed before. The establishment of the board for Rhyl's initiative and the emphasis on community engagement are critical steps in ensuring the effective use of government funding and the success of local projects.

This week, Denbighshire Council held two meetings that addressed significant issues, from leadership appointments to equality and diversity initiatives.

County Council on Tuesday 14 May 2024

The County Council meeting began with tributes to Councillor Winmullen James, a respected member of the Labour Group who recently passed away. Councillors Jason McMillan and Alan shared heartfelt memories, emphasizing her contributions and expressing condolences to her family.

The council then appointed Councillor Peter Scott as the Chair for the 2024-25 municipal year. Councillor Scott, praised for his leadership, outlined his plans, including support for his chosen charity, St. Kentigan's. Councillor Diane King was appointed as Vice-Chair, recognized for her extensive civic experience and support to the late Councillor Pete Prendigast.

A public question from Mr. Gonzales brought attention to the council's efforts in engaging minority groups. Councillor Julie Matthews responded by detailing various initiatives, such as the corporate plan and the strategic equality and diversity group. Mr. Gonzales also inquired about flying the Palestinian flag on Nakba Day, to which Councillor Matthews promised a written response.

The council reviewed political balance and appointed Councillor John Harland to the Standards Committee after a vote, with Harland receiving 25 votes against Councillor Andrea Tomlin's 16 votes.

Lastly, the council approved the pay policy statement for 2024-25, ensuring fair remuneration for council employees in line with national pay scales. This policy aims to attract and retain talented staff while maintaining equitable pay structures.

Partnerships Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 16 May 2024

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

This week's County Council meeting highlighted the council's ongoing commitment to leadership stability, equality, and fair employee compensation. The tributes to Councillor Winmullen James and the appointments of Councillors Scott and King underscore the importance of experienced and compassionate leadership. The public question session revealed a continued focus on diversity and inclusion, themes we've discussed before, reflecting the council's broader strategic goals. The approval of the pay policy statement is a crucial step in ensuring the council remains an attractive employer while maintaining fairness in pay.

This week, the Denbighshire Council's Communities Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several critical issues that affect both the immediate and long-term welfare of the community.

Communities Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 09 May 2024

The committee addressed multiple topics, with significant decisions and discussions around the management of void council properties, public conveniences, and the oversight of regeneration projects.

1. Void Properties Management: The committee decided to maintain its current practices concerning the refurbishment of void properties. This decision highlights the council's commitment to quality housing, despite the financial and operational challenges it presents. The discussion underscored the tension between maintaining high standards and the speed of making homes available.

The financial and operational strain of maintaining high standards within budget constraints is significant, yet we choose to prioritize the quality of housing, explained a committee member.

1. Public Conveniences Proposal: The decision to delay the final decision on public conveniences until September, pending further community consultation, reflects the council's cautious approach to community engagement. This move ensures that community feedback is thoroughly considered before any decisions are made.

2. Real Regeneration Program: The accidental omission of the Real Regeneration Program from the forward agenda was a key point of discussion. This oversight was acknowledged, and corrective measures were promised to avoid future lapses. The inclusion of this topic in October's agenda is crucial, as it pertains to significant developmental projects within the council's jurisdiction.

An unexpected yet critical issue discussed was the emergency heating in council properties. This discussion emerged from concerns about the adequacy of current heating solutions during emergencies.

We have identified a gap in our contingency planning for heating outages, which must be addressed promptly, stated another member during the meeting.

This week's meeting not only addressed ongoing issues but also revealed areas requiring immediate attention and improvement, such as emergency preparedness and agenda management. These discussions are pivotal as they directly impact the council's ability to effectively manage and improve community living standards.

This week, Denbighshire Council held two key meetings that will significantly impact both the educational landscape and financial management within the county.

Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday 23 April 2024

The Cabinet focused on the Sustainable Communities for Learning program, particularly the prioritization of school projects. The council decided to prioritize the project for Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn, a special needs school, due to its readiness and alignment with funding requirements from the Welsh Government. This decision, while strategic, sparked concerns about potentially neglecting other schools in dire conditions, such as Ysgol Pendref and Denbigh High School.

The readiness of Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn's project and its alignment with funding requirements significantly influenced our decision, stated a council member during the meeting.

The meeting also reviewed the medium-term financial plan, revealing a projected funding gap of up to £27 million. The council discussed the necessity of either increasing council tax or reducing services to manage this gap. A new savings tracker was introduced to monitor the progress of planned savings, aiming to enhance financial transparency and management.

Governance and Audit Committee on Wednesday 24 April 2024

The Governance and Audit Committee updated its terms of reference to better reflect its role, particularly in financial affairs and governance. This update is crucial for strengthening the committee's oversight capabilities.

The committee also reviewed the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, noting the financial challenges ahead. The strategy includes potential council tax increases and savings measures to address projected budget deficits, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning.

It is essential that we maintain a robust approach to our financial management to ensure the sustainability of our services, commented a committee member.

Additionally, the committee received a quarterly treasury management update, confirming adherence to the strategy and effective management of the council's investments and borrowings.

Both meetings this week underscored the council's focus on strategic financial management and the prioritization of projects that align with broader governmental goals. The decisions made in these meetings reflect a balancing act between immediate project readiness and long-term educational and financial needs of the community.